Fracture Liason Services
Only between 9% and 50% of patients who suffer fragility fractures are evaluated for bone health. Treating the fracture requires secondary prevention, and for this, treating osteoporosis appropriately. To reduce the treatment gap of osteoporosis, implementing a care model that is the Fracture Liaison Service (FLS) is recommended.
FLS Requires:
- Identifying patients with fragility fractures.
- Referring patients still in post-acute (hospital) care phase for evaluation of bone health and the risk of fracture.
- Recommending and/or initiating the appropriate treatment to prevent future fractures.
Fracture reduction rates vary according to the type of FLS. A type-A FLS which identifies, evaluates, and treats patients, has observed a three-year re-fracture reduction of 30% to 40% for any fracture. This reduction may reach around 60% in four years.
Reference:
Walters, Khan, Ong, Sahota. Fracture liaison services: improving outcomes
for patients with osteoporosis. Clinical Interventions in Aging .2017:12 117–127