Secondary fracture prevention: plucking the low hanging fruit

ABSTRACT

It is well known that one fragility fracture begets another. Fracture Liaison Services have been shown to narrow the care gap that exists in the care of patients with fragility fractures. A secondary fracture prevention programme "OPTIMAL" (Osteoporosis Patient Targeted and Integrated Management for Active Living) has been in existence in the public restructured hospitals and polyclinics of Singapore since 2008 and this is beginning to show significant beneficial results in terms of identification and management of fragility fractures. However, significant obstacles in the path of appropriate management of the patient with a fragility fracture still exist. A concerted, multipronged and interdisciplinary approach is needed to overcome these barriers.