Wristwatch-distal radial fracture as a marker for osteoporosis investigation: a controlled trial of patient education and a physician alerting system

Abstract

This article reports a controlled trial to investigate the effectiveness of patient education and a physician alerting system in altering secondary osteoporosis prevention after a low-trauma (fragility) wrist fracture and to record the current rate of osteoporosis investigation following such fractures. Fifty-one women and men aged 50 years or older with a low-trauma wrist fracture were identified (41 women and 10 men; mean age [95% CI], 71.51 [67.31-74.81]). The intervention group received a four-part intervention aimed at both the patient and the family physician in addition to the usual care for the fracture. The control group only received usual care for the fracture. Data were collected for both groups at six weeks and six months. Results indicate that 92% of the intervention subjects were investigated for osteoporosis, compared with the usual-care group, in which only 23% were investigated. Early osteoporosis intervention has the potential to limit disease impact, and hand therapists can play a key role in early identification of osteoporosis.