Journal articles: 'Fragility fractures' – Grafiati (2024)

Abstract:

Introduction: Fragility fractures, the major clinical problem have increased in recent decade due to an increase inexpected age. There is a tremendous economic burden to manage this problem. The disability increases from 20% before hip fracture to50% after this even if managed properly. Fragility hip fracture is associated with a 20% reduction in expected survival in best hands.O b j e c t i v e s : To study the incidence; types of fractures; treatment options and their outcome. D e s i g n : A retrospective study. Setting: ArmedForces Hospital Southern Region Khamis Mushayt, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia P e r i o d : From April 1996 to April 2006. Material a n d m e t h o d:300 patients were included in the study, both males and females above the age of sixty years presented in Emergency Room with hipfractures due to minor or trivial trauma. Diagnosis was based on clinical and radiological grounds. Additional investigations were made whenand where indicated to confirm diagnosis and to assess the patient from anaesthesia and surgical point of view. Internal fixation was themain treatment to see the ultimate outcome. R e s u l t s : The incidence of fragility hip fractures increased with age. Sixty percent of the victimswere females. The incidence increased with every passing year being 15% in the last year of study. 93.3% of the fractures were ofintertrochanterictype and fixed with engineered metallic device (DHS). C o n c l u s i o n : Prevention or delaying osteoporosis should be the mainobjective. Once there is fragility hip fracture internal fixation is the appropriate treatment.

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Background: Pubic rami fragility fractures are common in older people and result in significant morbidity and increased mortality. Co-existing fractures of the sacrum are common, but routinely missed. The aim of the study was to explore the perceptions in the assessment and treatment of pubic rami and sacral fragility fractures amongst healthcare professionals. Methods: We interviewed 14 participants about their experience in the assessment and treatment of patients presenting with pubic rami fragility fractures. Data was analyzed using an inductive thematic approach. Results: The majority of patients presenting with a pubic rami fragility fracture were managed by geriatricians. However, many of the geriatricians were not aware that these fractures have a high association with co-existing sacral fragility fractures. Furthermore, they were not aware of the limitations of standard x-ray imaging, nor of the potential benefits of surgical intervention for sacral fragility fractures. Spinal surgeons recommended that early, more specialist imaging in patients with pubic rami fragility fractures failing to mobilize, would change clinical management, if found to have a coexisting sacral fragility fracture, amenable to surgical intervention. Conclusions: The awareness, assessment and management of sacral fragility fractures in patients presenting with pubic rami fragility fractures is poor amongst healthcare professionals in geriatric medicine. Spinal surgeons in this study advocate early further imaging and surgical intervention in patients confirmed to have a concomitant sacral fragility fracture who are failing to mobilize.

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Fragility fractures constitute a major public health problem worldwide, causing important high morbidity and mortality rates. The aim was to present the epidemiology of fragility fractures and to assess the imminent risk of a subsequent fracture and mortality. This is a retrospective population-based cohort study (n = 1369) with a fragility fracture. We estimated the incidence rate of index fragility fractures and obtained information on the subsequent fractures and death during a follow-up of up to three years. We assessed the effect of age, sex, and skeletal site of index fracture as independent risk factors of further fractures and mortality. Incidence rate of index fragility fractures was 86.9/10,000 person-years, with highest rates for hip fractures in women aged ≥80 years. The risk of fracture was higher in subjects with a recent fracture (Relative Risk(RR), 1.80; p < 0.01). Higher age was an independent risk factor for further fracture events. Significant excess mortality was found in subjects aged ≥80 years and with a previous hip fracture (hazard ratio, 3.43 and 2.48, respectively). It is the first study in Spain to evaluate the incidence of major osteoporotic fractures, not only of the hip, and the rate of imminent fracture. Our results provide further evidence highlighting the need for early treatment.

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Background:The main consequence of osteoporosis is the occurrence of fractures due to bone fragility, with important sequelae in terms of disability and mortality. It has been already demonstrated that the information about bone mass density (BMD) alone is not sufficient to predict the risk of fragility fractures, since several fractures occur in patients with normal BMD [1].The Fragility Score is a parameter that allows to estimate skeletal fragility thanks to a trans-abdominal ultrasound scan performed with Radiofrequency Echographic Multi Spectrometry (REMS) technology. It is calculated by comparing the results of the spectral analysis of the patient’s raw ultrasound signals with reference models representative of fragile and non-fragile bones [2]. It is a dimensionless parameter, which can vary from 0 to 100, in proportion to the degree of fragility, independently from BMD.Objectives:This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of Fragility Score, measured during a bone densitometry exam performed with REMS technology at lumbar spine, in identifying patients at risk of incident osteoporotic fractures at a follow-up period of 5 years.Methods:Caucasian women with age between 30 and 90 were scanned with spinal REMS and DXA. The incidence of osteoporotic fractures was assessed during a follow-up period of 5 years. The ability of the Fragility Score to discriminate between patients with and without incident fragility fractures was subsequently evaluated and compared with the discriminatory ability of the T-score calculated with DXA and with REMS.Results:Overall, 533 women (median age: 60 years; interquartile range [IQR]: 54-66 years) completed the follow-up (median 42 months; IQR: 35-56 months), during which 73 patients had sustained an incident fracture.Both median REMS and DXA measured T-score values were significantly lower in fractured patients than for non-fractured ones, conversely, REMS Fragility Score was significantly higher (Table 1).Table 1.Analysis of T-score values calculated with REMS and DXA and Fragility Score calculated with REMS. Median values and interquartile ranges (IQR) are reported. The p-value is derived from the Mann-Whitney test.Patients without incident fragility fracturePatients with incident fragility fracturep-valueT-score DXA[median (IQR)]-1.9 (-2.7 to -1.0)-2.6 (-3.3 to -1.7)0.0001T-score REMS[median (IQR)]-2.0 (-2.8 to -1.1)-2.7 (-3.5 to -1.9)<0.0001Fragility Score[median (IQR)]29.9 (25.7 to 36.2)53.0 (34.2 to 62.5)<0.0001By evaluating the capability to discriminate patients with/without fragility fractures, the Fragility Score obtained a value of the ROC area under the curve (AUC) of 0.80, higher than the AUC of the REMS T-score (0.66) and of the T-score DXA (0.64), and the difference was statistically significant (Figure 1).Figure 1.ROC curve comparison of Fragility Score, REMS and DXA T-score values in the classification of patients with incident fragility fractures.Furthermore, the correlation between the Fragility Score and the T-score values was low, with Pearson correlation coefficient r=-0.19 between Fragility Score and DXA T-score and -0.18 between the Fragility Score and the REMS T-score.Conclusion:The Fragility Score was found to be an effective tool for the prediction of fracture risk in a population of Caucasian women, with performances superior to those of the T-score values. Therefore, this tool presents a high potential as an effective diagnostic tool for the early identification and subsequent early treatment of bone fragility.References:[1]Diez Perez A et al. Aging Clin Exp Res 2019; 31(10):1375-1389.[2]Pisani P et al. Measurement 2017; 101:243–249.Disclosure of Interests:None declared

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Background: Hip fragility fractures are becoming one of the main health care problems in countries with an aging population. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical characteristics and the usefulness of bone turnover markers in patients with a hip fracture. Methods: In a cohort of 363 patients (84.1 ± 9.2 years) with hip fractures we measured 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD), bone alkaline phosphatase, type I collagen β carboxy telopeptide (βCTX), and parathyroid hormone (PTH). We recorded patients’ Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) and previous history of fragility fractures. Results: Vitamin D and PTH levels were inversely correlated (r = −024; p < 0.001). The prevalence of 25OHD deficiency was 57.8%, the PTH levels greater than 65 pg/mL was in 47.0 %, and in those who had βCTX values the upper limit was 61.8%. Moreover, 62% of patients with a fragility hip fracture had a history of a previous fracture. The 25OHD serum levels were inversely associated with CCI and a previous fragility fracture. On the contrary, PTH and βCTX serum levels showed a positive significant correlation with CCI and previous fragility fractures. Conclusion: This study confirmed the usefulness of a bone turnover markers assessment, along with the comorbidities and history of previous fragility fractures in order to better identify the risk of hip fracture.

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Background: Fragility fractures are one of the major health problems. Many factors are associated with it some of which are modifiable and some are not. If we know the value of T-score at which fragility fracture occurs and associated factors responsible for fragility fracture than we will be able to control this burden to the society. The objective of this study is to determine association between fragility fracture and bone mineral density (BMD) using bone densitometry and to know the value of T-score at which fragility fracture occurs. Methods: Patients presenting to B.P. Koirala Institute of Health Sciences with fragility fracture of distal end of radius, fracture around hip and vertebral fractures were included in the study to know the value of T-score at which fragility fracture occurs and their associated risk factor. Patients less than 50 years of age, high energy trauma fracture and pathological fractures were excluded from the study. Results: We found that being multipara, smoking, alcohol consumption, post-hysterectomized patients and steroid intake had significant association with fragility fracture. There was no association with religion, geographic location, associated medical illness, age, sex, associated injury and site of injury. Conclusion: The patients with risk factor for fragility fracture like smoking, alcohol consumption, multipara women, post-hysterectomized women and those who are on long term steroid therapy should undergo BMD test and the value at -3.254 are prone to fragility fracture and should be treated accordingly. Nepal Journal of Medical Sciences | Volume 02 | Number 02 | July-December 2013 | Page 130-134 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/njms.v2i2.8956

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Abstract Introduction 1 in 2 women and 1 in 5 men over the age of 50 will break a bone and a significant proportion will suffer from osteoporosis.A fragility fracture will double the risk of future fractures. Between 1990 and 2000, there was nearly a 25% increase in hip fractures worldwide. A hip fracture is one of the most devastating, and often terminal, injury for an older person. Intervention The Fracture Liaison Service (FLS) captures patients aged 50 and above that present to fracture clinic with possible fragility fractures with the aim to reduce further fracture incidence. Patients are assessed for osteoporosis and recommendations made for treatment. Results Here we present the results of our FLS service evaluation after 6 years in operation, using the rate of hip fractures (number of hip fractures/Emergency Department [ED] attendances over 75’s) as a surrogate marker for effectiveness. Evaluation Summary Trend analysis of our data indicates a reduction in the number of patients attending the Trust with fractured neck of femur (NOF) despite the increase in ED attendances. This is against the trend nationally where fractured NOF numbers are rising (National Hip Fracture Database, accessed online August 2019). Next steps The FLS to attempt to comprehensively capture muscular-skeletal patients and to consider opportunities present to target case finding to high risk cohorts.

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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. Keywords: Care Gap, Fracture Liaison Service, Osteoporosis, Singapore

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ObjectiveDuring the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, changes to established care pathways and discharge thresholds for patients with fragility fractures were made. This was to increase hospital bed capacity and minimise the inpatient risk of contracting COVID-19. This study aims to identify the excess death rate in this population during the first wave of the pandemic.DesignA longitudinal cohort study of patients with fragility fractures identified by specific International Classification of Diseases (ICD)-10 codes. The first wave of the pandemic was defined as the 3-month period between 1 March and 1 June 2020. The control group presented between 1 March and 1 June 2019.SettingTwo acute National Health Service hospitals within the East Midlands region of England.Participants1846 patients with fragility fractures over the aforementioned two specified matched time points.Primary and secondary outcome measuresFour-month mortality of all patients with fragility fractures with a subanalysis of patients with fragility hip fractures.Results832 patients with fragility fracture were admitted during the pandemic period (104 diagnosed with COVID-19). 1014 patients presented with fragility fractures in the control group. Mortality in patients with fragility fracture without COVID-19 was significantly higher among pandemic period admissions (14.7%) than the pre-pandemic cohort (10.2%) (HR=1.86; 95% CI 1.41 to 2.45; p<0.001) adjusted for age and sex. Length of stay was shorter during the pandemic period (effect size=−4.2 days; 95% CI −5.8 to –3.1, p<0.001). Subanalysis of patients with fragility hip fracture revealed a mortality of 8.4% in the pre-pandemic cohort, and 15.48% during pandemic admissions with no COVID-19 diagnosis (HR=2.08; 95% CI 1.11 to 3.90; p=0.021).ConclusionsThere is a significant increase in excess death, not explained by confirmed COVID-19 infections. Altered care pathways and aggressive discharge criteria during the pandemic are likely responsible for the increase in excess deaths.

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Aims The purpose of this study was to determine the weightbearing practice of operatively managed fragility fractures in the setting of publically funded health services in the UK and Ireland. Methods The Fragility Fracture Postoperative Mobilisation (FFPOM) multicentre audit included all patients aged 60 years and older undergoing surgery for a fragility fracture of the lower limb between 1 January 2019 and 30 June 2019, and 1 February 2021 and 14 March 2021. Fractures arising from high-energy transfer trauma, patients with multiple injuries, and those associated with metastatic deposits or infection were excluded. We analyzed this patient cohort to determine adherence to the British Orthopaedic Association Standard, “all surgery in the frail patient should be performed to allow full weight-bearing for activities required for daily living ”. Results A total of 19,557 patients (mean age 82 years (SD 9), 16,241 having a hip fracture) were included. Overall, 16,614 patients (85.0%) were instructed to perform weightbearing where required for daily living immediately postoperatively (15,543 (95.7%) hip fracture and 1,071 (32.3%) non-hip fracture patients). The median length of stay was 12.2 days (interquartile range (IQR) 7.9 to 20.0) (12.6 days (IQR 8.2 to 20.4) for hip fracture and 10.3 days (IQR 5.5 to 18.7) for non-hip fracture patients). Conclusion Non-hip fracture patients experienced more postoperative weightbearing restrictions, although they had a shorter hospital stay. Patients sustaining fractures of the shaft and distal femur had a longer median length of stay than demographically similar patients who received hip fracture surgery. We have shown a significant disparity in weightbearing restrictions placed on patients with fragility fractures, despite the publication of a national guideline. Surgeons intentionally restrict postoperative weightbearing in the majority of non-hip fractures, yet are content with unrestricted weightbearing following operations for hip fractures. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2022;104-B(8):972–979.

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Abstract Introduction Osteoporosis is a bone disease that is both preventable and treatable. It usually becomes evident when a fragility fracture occurs. Unfortunately, most studies show that only a small percentage of individuals at increased risk of fracture are assessed and treated, even following a fragility fracture. Objective The aim of this study was to determine whether patients suffering from a low-energy hip fractures in the Maltese Islands are given osteoporosis treatment. Method All patients older than 50 years presenting to the acute care hospitals in Malta and Gozo with a fragility hip fracture during December 1, 2015 and November 30, 2016 were included. Data on mortality, other fragility fractures, prescription of calcium, vitamin D, and antiresorptive therapy were collected. Results Calcium with vitamin D supplements were prescribed to 40% of patients; however, only 2.64% of patients were given pharmacological therapy. Following a hip fracture, the mortality rate was 18.5% at 1 year and 26.21% at 2 years. Apart from a high mortality rate, 28.19% of individuals sustained another fragility fracture before or after the hip fracture. Conclusion There should be increased osteoporosis awareness in Malta and a national bone mineral density screening program should be set up. An active role of the orthogeriatrics team in the management and treatment of osteoporosis following a fragility fracture might improve treatment rate and decrease refracture and mortality rates.

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Objective.Women and men with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) have an increased risk for fragility fractures and cardiovascular disease (CVD), each of which has been reported to contribute to excess morbidity and mortality in these patients. Fragility fractures share similar risk factors for CVD but may occur at relatively younger ages in patients with RA. We aimed to determine whether a fragility fracture predicts the development of CVD in women and men with RA.Methods.We studied a population-based cohort with incident RA from 1955 to 2007 and compared it with age- and sex-matched non-RA subjects. We identified fragility fractures and CVD events following the RA incidence/index date, along with relevant risk factors. We used Cox models to examine the association between fractures and the development of CVD, in which fractures and CVD risk factors were modeled as time-dependent covariates.Results.There were 1171 subjects (822 women; 349 men) in each of the RA and non-RA cohorts. Over followup, there were 406 and 346 fragility fractures and 286 and 225 CVD events, respectively. The overall CVD risk was increased significantly for RA subjects following a fragility fracture (HR 1.81, 95% CI 1.38–2.37) but not for non-RA subjects (HR 1.18, 95% CI 0.85–1.63). Results were similar for women and men with RA.Conclusion.Fragility fractures in both women and men with RA are associated with an increased risk for CVD events and should raise an alert to clinicians to target these individuals for further screening and preventive strategies for CVD.

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Abstract Introduction The incidences of hip fractures are increasing worldwide and over 50% of all hip fractures are projected to occur in Asia. Malaysia is predicted to have the highest rate of increase in numbers of hip fracture in Asia Pacific by 2050. Despite the health and economic burden associated with fragility fractures, there is limited systematic guidance or nationwide interventions set up to address this foreseeable tsunami in Malaysia. This has called for the formation of a national Fragility Fracture Network to bring together experts from different disciplines nationally to drive policy change and improve quality of care in patients with fragility fracture. Method The Asia Pacific Regional Fragility Fracture Summit held in Singapore in May 2018 brought together representatives of regional societies from geriatrics, orthopedic, osteoporosis and rehabilitation to share key challenges in providing optimal fragility fracture care. Three clinicians from Malaysia representing three different societies in Asia Pacific who attended the summit initiated the idea of forming a national multidisciplinary network to focus on improving acute hip fracture care, post-acute care rehabilitation and secondary fracture prevention. Results After the first meeting held in June 2018 with only 4 members in Kuala Lumpur, the network has expanded to include members from 7 different states in Malaysia. This has led to the formation of the Fragility Fracture Network (FFN) Malaysia in August 2018. The key goals of the network include the development of clinical hip fracture care pathway, initiating national hip fracture registry and fracture liaison service. Conclusion FFN Malaysia serves as a platform to unite healthcare providers and policy makers in prioritizing and having co-ownership in improving fragility fracture care in the country.

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Given the progressive ageing of Western populations, the fragility fractures market has a growing socioeconomic impact. Fragility fractures are common in the elderly, negatively impacting their quality of life, limiting autonomy, increasing disability, and decreasing life expectancy. Different causes contribute to the development of a fractures in frail individuals. Among all, targeting fragile patients before the development of a fracture may represent the greatest challenge, and current diagnostic tools suffer from limitations. This study summarizes the current evidence on the management of fragility fractures, discussing risk factors, prevention, diagnosis, and actual limitations of the clinical therapeutic options, putting forward new ideas for further scientific investigation.

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SummaryIndividuals who have suffered fractures caused by osteoporosis – also known as fragility fractures – are the most readily identifiable group at high risk of suffering future fractures. Globally, the majority of these individuals do not receive the secondary preventive care that they need. The Fracture Liaison Service model (FLS) has been developed to ensure that fragility fracture patients are reliably identified, investigated for future fracture and falls risk, and initiated on treatment in accordance with national clinical guidelines. FLS have been successfully established in Asia, Europe, Latin America, North America and Oceania, and their widespread implementation is endorsed by leading national and international osteoporosis organisations. Multi-sector coalitions have expedited inclusion of FLS into national policy and reimbursem*nt mechanisms. The largest national coalition, the National Bone Health Alliance (NBHA) in the United States, provides an exemplar of achieving participation and consensus across sectors. Initiatives developed by NBHA could serve to inform activities of new and emerging coalitions in other countries.

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Background:Fragility fractures (FF) are fractures that result from mechanical forces that would not ordinarily result in fracture, known as low-level (or ‘low energy’) trauma.1 Studies have shown that history of wrist fracture increases the risk for subsequent FF.2Objectives:To assess predictive factors of FF occurring after a wrist fracture.Methods:Retrospective monocentric study that included patients with a wrist FF observed at the emergency department (ED) in a tertiary center, between 1st January 2017 and 31st December 2018. Wrist fractures were identified through the 10th International Classification of Diseases and FF were identified after revision of the clinical record. Patients with relevant missing data were excluded. Seven hundred thirty-three wrist FF were identified. After calculating a representative sample (90% confidence interval), 188 patients were included. Their clinical records until 31th December 2020 (2 to 3 years after FF) were reviewed. SPSS was used for statistical analysis and significance level was defined as 2-sided p<0.05. In multivariate analysis we included variables with a significant association in univariate analysis and those with clinical relevance (reported in others studies).Results:Wrist fractures represented 44.3% of the FF observed at the ED.Most patients were woman (83.5%) with a mean age of 70.7 (SD=11.2) years-old at the time of their wrist fracture. A previous FF was seen in 22.9% of patients and 13.3% had a new FF during the follow-up period.We found an association between the occurrence of a new FF and the number of comorbidities (p=0.012), number of visits to the ED due to falls (p<0.001), previous diagnosis of chronic pulmonary disease (p=0.029) and hematologic pathologies (p=0.047), and the need for hospitalization at time of the wrist FF (p=0.018).No associations were found between the age at the wrist fracture time, number of drugs taken daily nor its type (anxiolytics, antiepileptics, corticoids), previous fractures (and localization), overweight/obesity and other cardiovascular risk factors, endocrinopathies, psychiatric or neurologic disease or other comorbidities.After adjustment for age, gender, anti-osteoporotic treatment and comorbidities, the main predictors of a new FF were visits to the ED for falls (p=0.005), chronic pulmonary disease (p=0.040), hematologic pathologies (p=0.004) and need for hospitalization (p=0.040) (table 1).Table 1.Multivariate analyses: linear multiple regression for predictive factors of new fragility fracture.DeterminantsUnstandardized CoefficientsBStandardized Coefficients Beta95.0% CIp-valueAge-0.0250.9750.924 – 1.030NSGender2.0657.8890.757 – 82.165NSNumber of comorbidities0.1861.2040.846 – 1.713NSVisits to the emergency service for falls-2.1360.1180.026 – 0.5290.005Chronic pulmonary disease-1.3260.2660.075 – 0.9400.040Hematologic pathologies-4.2960.0140.001 – 0.2550.004Need for hospitalization-2.7640.0630.004 – 0.8870.040Anti-osteoporotic treatment0.1571.1700.227 – 6.017NSCI: Confidence Interval; NS: non-significant;Conclusion:Certain comorbidities seem to be associated with new FF. Patients with visits to the emergency service after falls and those who needed hospitalization due to the wrist fracture were more prone to have a new FF. There might be a substantial missed opportunity for intervention in these patients.References:[1]Osteoporosis: assessing the risk of fragility fracture. London: National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (UK); 2017 Feb. PMID: 32186835.[2]Crandall CJ, Hovey KM, Cauley JA, Andrews CA, Curtis JR, Wactawski-Wende J, Wright NC, Li W, LeBoff MS. Wrist Fracture and Risk of Subsequent Fracture: Findings from the Women’s Health Initiative Study. Journal of bone and mineral research: the official journal of the American Society for Bone and Mineral Research. 2015;30(11):2086–2095. doi: 10.1002/jbmr.2559.Disclosure of Interests:None declared

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Osteoporosis is a metabolic disease characterized by low bone mass and microarchitectural deterioration of bone tissue, leading to enhanced bone fragility and a consequent increase in fracture risk. Bone fragility depends on bone density, turnover and microarchitectural features, such as relative trabecular volume, spacing, number and connectivity. Previous fragility fractures increase the fracture risk irrespective of bone density. Other risk factors must also be considered as many fractures occur in patients with osteopenia on densitometry. On the other hand, the diagnosis of osteoporosis and increased fracture risk should not be based on densitometric data alone when young populations such as men below 65 years, premenopausal women, adolescents and children are considered.

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Identifying vertebral fractures is prudent in the management of osteoporosis and the current literature suggests that less than one-third of incidental vertebral fractures are reported. The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of reported and unreported vertebral fractures in computerized tomography pulmonary angiograms (CTPA) and their relevance to clinical outcomes. All acutely unwell patients aged 75 or older who underwent CTPAs were reviewed retrospectively. 179 CTPAs were reviewed to identify any unreported vertebral fractures. A total of 161 were included for further analysis. Of which, 14.3% (23/161) were reported to have a vertebral fracture, however, only 8.7% (14/161) of reports used the correct terminology of ‘fracture’. On subsequent review, an additional 19.3% (31/161) were noted to have vertebral fractures. Therefore, the overall prevalence of vertebral fractures was 33.5% (54/161). A total of 22.2% (12/54) of patients with a vertebral fracture on CTPA sustained a new fragility fracture during the follow-up period (4.5 years). In comparison, a significantly lower 10.3% (11/107) of patients without a vertebral fracture developed a subsequent fragility fracture during the same period (p = 0.04). Overall mortality during the follow-up period was significantly higher for patients with vertebral fractures (68.5%, 37/54) as compared to those without (45.8%, 49/107, p = 0.006). Vertebral fractures within the elderly population are underreported on CTPAs. The significance of detecting incidental vertebral fractures is clear given the increased rates of subsequent fractures and mortality. Radiologists and physicians alike must be made aware of the importance of identifying and treating incidental, vertebral fragility fractures.

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Background: To establish a FRAX®-based prediction model for rheumatoid arthritis (RA)-associated fragility fracture. Methods: This study is a longitudinal, real-world, registry cohort study. Patients with RA were registered to start in September 2014. The baseline demographics, bone mineral density (BMD), and risk factors of osteoporosis or fragility fracture were recorded. Subsequent fragility fractures during the 3-year observation period were also recorded. We developed a fixed intervention threshold (FITD) to identify fractures by choosing an optimal cut-off point on the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and FRAX®. Several models for intervention thresholds (IT), including fixed intervention threshold (Taiwan) (FITT), age-specific individual intervention threshold (IIT), and hybrid intervention threshold (HIT), were compared to evaluate which IT model will have better discriminative power. Results: As of December 2020, a total of 493 RA participants have completed the 3-year observation study. The mean age of the participants was 59.3 ± 8.7, and 116 (23.5%) new fragility fractures were observed during the study period. In terms of pairwise comparisons of area under the curve ( n, 95% confidence interval) in the ROC curve, the FITD (0.669, 0.610–0.727, p < 0.001) with a value of 22% in major osteoporotic fracture and FITT (0.640, 0.582–0.699, p < 0.001) is significantly better than reference, but not for IIT (0.543, 0.485–0.601, p = 0.165) and HIT (0.543, 0.485–0.601, p = 0.165). Conclusion: An optimal FIT is established for intervention decisions in RA-associated fragility fractures. This model can offer an easy and simple guide to aid RA caregivers to provide interventions to prevent fragility fractures in patients with RA.

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The fragility fracture is the widest spread of the bone diseases, in elderly. It particularly affects the vertebrae, the femur, the proximal humerus, the distal radius, the pelvis, thus preventing the patient�s free movement. The most debilitating of all these fractures is the fragility fracture of the pelvis. This type of fracture raises supplementary problems compared to the other fractures due to the difficulties of diagnosis, surgical approach and to the longer recovery period. Choosing the right treatment for FFP is difficult due to health and comorbidities in elderly patients. Both conservative and surgical therapy involve equally large risks: prolonged immobilization or surgical risks. Therefore, pharmacological therapy is an alternative to surgery. Bisphosphonates prove their utility in the fracture-healing outcome, but the influence of calcium and vitamin D were overlooked. The aim of our study was to evaluate the role of calcium and vitamin D in the healing process of patients with pelvic fragility fracture in osteoporotic patients with and without calcium and vitamin D supplementation. Our study shows that calcium and vitamin D exert a positive influence on the healing process of the fragility fractures and strongly emphasizes the need to educate patients to comply with the prescription to supplement calcium and vitamin D in order to improve fracture healing and prevent additional fractures.

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Abstract Background: The impact of fragility fractures on human suffering is underappreciated. Fragility fractures increase mortality and the risk of recurrent fracture. Notwithstanding these facts, only a minority of patients suffering osteoporotic fractures receive fracture preventing therapy. Education about the burden of disease and the benefits of prompt treatment are important means to increase the treatment rate. We propose that the focus of the educational message should be varied for distinct audiences. Method: We searched existing literature to determine perceptions about the importance of treating fractures and osteoporosis among the following groups: the general population, primary care physicians, specialist physicians, hospital administrators, and government health officials. Result: Extensive data focusing on patients and primary care physicians exist about barriers to treatment initiation. In these groups, lack of perceived treatment benefit is a widespread, common finding. To address this gap, we have produced a primary care education toolkit, patient booklet and education directory as Asia Pacific Fragility Fracture Alliance (APFFA)-sponsored initiatives. Data are more limited for specialist physicians, hospital administrators, and government officials. Health economic arguments have been found to be persuasive among policy makers. Conclusion: Information about the importance of treating fragility fractures and osteoporosis is far more abundant with reference to patients and primary care providers than to specialty physicians, hospital administrators, and government officials. Understanding the state of knowledge and belief is an essential first step in developing educational materials that address the concerns and misperceptions of each key constituency. Existing data suggest that patients will be more receptive to materials emphasising independence and quality of life, while policy makers will be more receptive to materials highlighting the burden of disease.

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Distal Femur fractures are rare, with the literature reporting a prevalence of 0.5% of all fractures1. Incidence rates of distal femur fractures have only been reported in a small number of studies2,3. Fractures of the distal femur is described as a classic fragility fracture, with the mean age of patients reported as 67.3 years and the vast majority of fractures (83%) occurring in women1,4.A study shows an incidence of distal femur fractures is 8.7/100,000/year. After the age of 60 years, a rapid increase in the incidence of distal femoral fractures was observed for both genderswith a considerable female predominance5. Nowdays, the surgical management of distal femur fracture is evolving. This review will discuss about the incision approach on distal femur approaches.

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Objective.Osteoporotic fractures are associated with significant morbidity and mortality particularly among older men. However, there is little information regarding risk factors among this population. The aims of our study were to determine risk factors for osteoporosis and fragility fractures and the predictive value of bone mineral density (BMD) measurements for development of fragility fractures in a cohort of elderly Caucasian and African American men.Methods.We evaluated 257 men aged 70 years or older for risk factors for osteoporosis and fragility fractures using a detailed questionnaire and BMD assessment. Exclusion criteria included conditions known to cause osteoporosis such as hypogonadism and chronic steroid use, current treatment with bisphosphonates, bilateral hip arthroplasties, and inability to ambulate independently.Results.Age, weight, weight loss, androgen deprivation treatment, duration of use of dairy products, exercise, and fracture within 10 years prior to study entry were associated with osteoporosis (p ≤ 0.05). Fragility fractures were associated with duration of use of dairy products, androgen deprivation treatment, osteoporosis, and history of fracture within 10 years prior to BMD assessment (p ≤ 0.05). There were some differences in risk factors between the Caucasian and African American populations, suggesting that risk factors may vary between ethnic groups.Conclusion.Although men with osteoporosis had a higher rate of fractures, the majority of fractures occurred in men with T-scores > −2.5 standard deviations below the mean, suggesting that factors other than BMD are also important in determining risk.

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Introduction. Femoral neck shaft angle (NSA) has been reported to be an independent predictor of hip fracture risk in men. We aimed to assess the role of NSA in UK men.Methods. The NSA was measured manually from the DXA scan printout in men with hip (62, 31 femoral neck and 31 trochanteric), symptomatic vertebral (91), and distal forearm (67) fractures and 389 age-matched control subjects. Age, height, weight, and BMD (g/cm2: lumbar spine, femoral neck, and total femur) measurements were performed.Results. There was no significant difference in mean NSA between men with femoral neck and trochanteric hip fractures, so all further analyses of hip fractures utilised the combined data. There was no difference in NSA between those with hip fractures and those without (either using the combined data or analysing trochanteric and femoral neck shaft fractures separately), nor between fracture subjects as a whole and controls. Mean NSA was smaller in those with vertebral fractures (129.2°versus 131°:P=0.001), but larger in those with distal forearm fractures (129.8°versus 128.5°:P=0.01).Conclusions. The conflicting results suggest that femoral NSA is not an important determinant of hip fracture risk in UK men.

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Introduction: dementia increases the risk of falls by 2–3 times and cognitively impaired patients are three times more likely to have hip fracture following a fall when compared to cognitively intact individuals. However, there is not enough evidence that explores the relationship between dementia and fragility fractures. The aim of this study is to explore the relationships of prevalent fragility fracture in patients with dementia admitted with an acute illness to the hospital. Methods: the existing Health Board records were reviewed retrospectively for all patients admitted diagnosed with dementia in the year 2016. All patients were followed up for a maximum of three years. All of the the dementia patients were divided into three groups: group 1—“no fractures”; group 2—“all fractures”; group 3—“fragility fractures”. Clinical outcomes were analysed for hospital stay, discharge destination (new care home), post-discharge hip fracture data, and mortality. Results: dementia patients with a prevalent fracture were significantly older, 62% were women. A significantly higher proportion of dementia patients with prevalent fractures were care home residents and taking a significantly higher number of medications. The mean Charlson comorbidity index was similar in patients with or without fracture. Dementia patients with a prevalent fracture required a new care home and this is significantly higher when compared to those with no fracture. Mortality at one year and three year was not statistically different in patients with or without prevalent fractures. A significantly higher number (21.5%) of dementia patients with prevalent fragility fracture sustained a new hip fracture when compared to those with no prevalent osteoporotic fracture (2.9%) over the three years follow up (p < 0.0001). Conclusion: dementia patients with a prevalent fragility fracture is associated with a statistically significant higher risk of a new care home placement following acute hospital admission. This sub-group is also at risk of a new hip fracture in the next three years. Whilst clinical judgement remains crucial in the care of frail older people, it is prudent to consider medical management of osteoporosis in dementia if deemed to be beneficial following the comprehensive geriatric assessment.

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Abstract Fragility fractures carry high health and social care costs for patients, families, and health systems. Falls are a fundamental risk factor for sustaining a fragility fracture, and hence fracture risk assessment is an intrinsic component of any falls evaluation. I will review the relationship between falls and incident fracture and outline strategies for assessing fracture risk. I will review the different fracture risk assessment tools available, including FRAX. I will discuss approaches to fracture risk assessment in the context of falls. Sarcopenia is an important risk factors for falls. Recently the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People (EWGSOP) updated their diagnostic criteria for sarcopenia, placing a greater emphasis on muscle strength and physical performance. Whilst measures of muscle mass may not add to the clinical prediction of fractures over an above a tool such as FRAX, I will discuss the value of tests of muscle function, impairment of which characterises sarcopenia, in the prediction of fracture risk. I will further present data on patient’s own perception of fracture risk and how this might be influenced by a history of falls.

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Introduction: Low-energy falls are the leading cause of injury-related morbidity and mortality in the elderly. In the past, physicians focused on treating fractures resulting from falls rather than preventing them. The purpose of this study is to identify patients with a hospital encounter for fall prior to a fracture as an opportunity for pre-injury intervention when patients might be motivated to engage in falls prevention. Materials & Methods: A retrospective analysis of all emergency room and inpatient encounters in 2016 with an ICD10 diagnosis code including “fall” across a tri-state health system was performed. Subsequent encounters with diagnosis of fracture within 2 years were then identified. Data was collected for time to subsequent fracture, fracture type and location, and length of stay of initial encounter. Results: There were 12,382 encounters for falls among 10,589 patients. Of those patients, 1,040 (9.8%) sustained a subsequent fracture. Fractures were most commonly lower extremity fractures (661 fractures; 63.5%), including hip fractures (447 fractures; 45.87%). Median time from fall to fracture was 105 days (IQR 16-359 days). Discussion: Falls are an important, modifiable risk factor for fragility fracture. This study demonstrates that patients are presenting to the hospital with one of the main modifiable risk factors for fracture within a time window that allows for intervention. Conclusions: Presentation to the hospital for a fall is a vital opportunity to intervene and prevent subsequent fracture in a high-risk population.

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BackgroundPatients who have suffered fragility fractures are at an in-creased risk for subsequent fractures. The Osteoporosis (OP) Clinic at Markham Stouffville Hospital (MSH) was set up in July 2015 to screen, diagnose, and treat patients with fragility fractures. The goal of this study was to identify differences in OP screening and treatment initiation between patients seen in the OP clinic versus usual care.MethodsA retrospective cohort study and telephone interview was conducted on 40 patients who had sustained a hip fragility fracture between September 2015 and July 2016. 20 of those patients were referred to the OP clinic, while the remaining patients received usual care. ResultsAt the end of the intervention, 16/20 patients in the OP clinic group were appropriately placed on a bisphosphonate/RANKL inhibitor versus only 6/20 patients in the usual care group (p < .01).ConclusionsA significant care gap exists in secondary fracture prevention between the osteoporosis clinic and usual care groups. Better screening and subsequent intervention are needed for patients with fragility fractures. This study highlights the efficacy of an outpatient OP clinic in a community hospital setting.

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Abstract Introduction Spine and hip bone mineral density (BMD) have previously been shown to predict the risk of sustaining future fractures. Although these have been shown in population studies, there is a paucity of trials looking at the relationship between BMD and 10 year probability of major osteoporotic fractures (Using FRAX UK without BMD) in patients with previous fragility fractures. Aims To evaluate the correlation between spinal T-score and an absolute 10 year probability of sustaining a major osteoporotic fracture (using FRAX without BMD) in patients with prior fragility fractures. Methods A retrospective cross-sectional analysis of 202 patients (29 males and 173 females) with prior fragility fractures attending a fracture prevention clinic between January and August 2019 was performed. Patients with pathological and high impact traumatic fractures were excluded. The BMD at the spine was determined using the lowest T-score of the vertebrae from L1 to L4. Using the FRAX (UK) without BMD, the absolute 10 year probability of sustaining a major osteoporotic fracture was calculated for each patient. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 26 software. Results The mean T-score at the spine was −1.15 (SD +/− 1.90) for all patients, −0.68 (SD +/− 0.45) for males and − 1.23 (SD +/− 0.14) for females. The mean FRAX score without BMD for major osteoporotic fracture was 18.5% (SD +/− 8.84) for all patients, 11.41% (SD +/−0.62) and 19.7% (SD +/−0.68) for males and females respectively. Pearson correlation coefficient showed a statistically significant, slightly negative correlation between spinal T- score and the FRAX (UK) without BMD (r = −0.157; p &lt; 0.05). Correlation was not statistically significant when males (r = 0.109; p = 0.59) and females (r = 0.148; p = 0.053) were considered independently. Conclusion In patients with prior fragility fracture spinal BMD has a statistically significant negative correlation with an absolute 10 year probability of sustaining a major osteoporotic fracture.

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ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the conduct of Brazilian orthopedists regarding preventive treatment after fragility fracture surgery. Methods: A questionnaire was applied to Brazilian orthopedists. Statistical analyses were performed using the SPSS 16.0 program. Results: 257 participants were analyzed. Most participants, 90.7% (n = 233), reported that they cared for patients with fractures and 62.3% (n = 160) treated them. The most indicated treatments were vitamin D (22.6%; n = 134) and calcium supplementation (21.4%; n = 127). According to the experience of the physicians - experienced (n = 184) and residents (n = 73) - fragility fractures were more common in the routine of residents (98.6%; n = 72) than experienced physicians (87.5%; n = 161), p = 0.0115. While treatment conduction was more reported by experienced physicians (63.6%; n = 117) than residents (58.9%; n = 43), p = 0.004. More experienced orthopedists (21.4%; n = 97) indicated treatment with bisphosphates than residents (14.2%; n = 20), p = 0.0266. Conclusion: Although most professionals prescribe treatment after fragility fracture surgery, about 40% of professionals still do not treat it, with differences in relation to experience. In this sense, we reinforce the importance of secondary prevention in the management of fragility fractures. Level of Evidence II, Prospective comparative study.

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Introduction Fragility ankle fractures are traditionally managed conservatively or with open reduction internal fixation. Tibiotalocalcaneal (TTC) nailing is an alternative option for the geriatric patient. This meta-analysis provides the most detailed analysis of TTC nailing for fragility ankle fractures. Methods A systematic search was performed on MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science, identifying 14 studies for inclusion. Studies including patients with a fragility ankle fracture, defined according to NICE guidelines as a low-energy fracture obtained following a fall from standing height or less, that were treated with TTC nail were included. Patients with a previous fracture of the ipsilateral limb, fibular nails, and pathological fractures were excluded. This review was registered in PROSPERO (ID: CRD42021258893). Results A total of 312 ankle fractures were included. The mean age was 77.3 years old. In this study, 26.9% were male, and 41.9% were diabetics. The pooled proportion of superficial infection was 10% (95% CI: 0.06–0.16), deep infection 8% (95% CI: 0.06–0.11), implant failure 11% (95% CI: 0.07–0.15), malunion 11% (95% CI: 0.06–0.18), and all-cause mortality 27% (95% CI: 0.20–0.34). The pooled mean post-operative Olerud–Molander ankle score was 54.07 (95% CI: 48.98–59.16). Egger’s test (P = 0.56) showed no significant publication bias. Conclusion TTC nailing is an adequate alternative option for fragility ankle fractures. However, current evidence includes mainly case series with inconsistent post-operative rehabilitation protocols. Prospective randomised control trials with long follow-up times and large cohort sizes are needed to guide the use of TTC nailing for ankle fractures.

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Abstract Introduction Identifying vertebral fractures is prudent in the diagnosis of osteoporosis as they occur early in this hidden condition. Unfortunately, due to their unspecific presentation, only 25% are clinically recognised. Computerised Tomography Pulmonary Angiogram (CTPA) are frequently requested to confirm pulmonary thromboembolisms, but could also aid in detecting clinically silent vertebral fractures. Current literature suggests that less than one-third of incidental vertebral fractures are reported. The aim of this study is to measure the prevalence of vertebral fractures in CTPA and its relevance to clinical outcomes. Methods This is retrospective observational study based on the analysis of existing CTPA for acutely unwell patients admitted to medical assessment unit or A & E across three acute sites within Aneurin Bevan University Health board, Wales, UK between January and December 2015. All CTPA reports were reviewed for fragility factures and CTPA images were reassessed for any unreported vertebral fractures. Age and gender were recorded for all patients. Analysis was done for all patients in respect to subsequent fragility fractures and mortality. Difference of proportion test was used to compare two groups with and without vertebral fractures. Results 179 CTPA were reviewed, 161 patients were included for further analysis. 14.3% (n=23/161) were reported to have a vertebral fracture, however only 8.7% (n=14/161) of reports used the correct terminology of ‘fracture’. On subsequent review, an additional 24.2% (n=39/161) vertebral fractures were noted. Therefore, overall prevalence of vertebral fractures was 38.5% (n=62/161). Only 9.1% (n=9/99) of patients without a vertebral fracture developed a subsequent fragility fracture. In comparison, 22.5% (n=14/62) of patients with a previous vertebral fracture sustained a new fragility fracture over next 4 years and this was significantly higher (p = 0.017). Overall mortality over 4 years follow-up was significantly higher for patients with vertebral fractures (64.5%, n=40/62) as compared to those without fractures (43.4%, n=43/99, p = 0.009). Only 48.4% (n=30/62) received osteoporosis treatment. Conclusions Vertebral fractures could be underreported by radiologists, likely due to human factors as they might be concentrating on the clinical scenario to exclude a pulmonary embolism. However, considering a significant higher mortality in patients with underlying vertebral fracture, it justifies that radiologists could be asked to examine sagittal view in the bone window for possible underlying vertebral fractures, to ensure osteoporosis is treated to guidance.

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ObjectivesTo study the prevalence and risk factors of fragility fractures in a longitudinal cohort of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).MethodsAll patients who fulfilled ≥4 1997 ACR criteria for SLE and have been registered in our cohort database since 1990 were included. Symptomatic fragility fractures, defined as those that occurred with no preceding injury or after a low-energy impact, were identified from the SLE organ damage index (SDI) data and verified by record review. A longitudinal cohort of 383 SLE patients who participated in a cross-sectional study in 2011 and had a baseline dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) scan performed was further analyzed for factors predicting new fragility fractures over time. These patients were stratified into 2 groups according to the presence of previous fragility fracture or osteoporosis at baseline, defined as a DEXA T score <-2.5 or Z score <-2.0 at the hip, femoral neck or lumbar spine. The cumulative incidence of new fractures was studied by Kaplan-Meier’s analysis and risk factors were studied by Cox regression, adjusted for demographic characteristics, medications and other confounding factors.Results1140 SLE patients were included (age of onset 34.7±14.4 years; 91.5% women). 102 fractures (hip [n=15]; vertebral [n=54]; limbs (non-hip) [n=14]; digital/rib [n=19]) developed in 91(8.0%) patients over a mean of 13.1 years. The prevalence of major osteoporotic and hip fractures was 0.56 and 0.10 per 100 patient-years, respectively. A cohort of 383 SLE patients were further analyzed (age at DEXA scan 40.5±13 years; 94% women). Osteoporosis was present in 105 patients (13 with past fractures) at baseline and 8 other patients had osteopenia but a history of fragility fractures. Patients with osteoporosis/previous fractures (N=113), compared to those without (N=270), were more likely to have SLE onset during childhood (<18 years), longer SLE duration and a higher prevalence of thrombocytopenia, hemolytic anemia or neuropsychiatric manifestations that required immunosuppressive therapies. Use of glucocorticoids (79% vs 62%; p=0.002) and mycophenolate mofetil (MMF)/azathioprine (AZA) (55% vs 42%; p=0.02), body mass index (BMI) ≤18kg/m2 (14% vs 7%; p=0.04) or menopause before the age of 45 years (14% vs 4%; p=0.001) were also more frequent in the osteoporosis/fracture group. However, no difference in the SLEDAI scores at time of DEXA scan was observed between the 2 groups (3.7±3.8 vs 4.1±3.3; p=0.26). Over a follow-up of 153±41 months, new symptomatic fragility fractures developed in 34(8.9%) patients (vertebral [n=19], hip [n=2], limbs (non-hip) [n=6], digital/rib [n=7]; incidence 0.69 per 100 patient-years). The cumulative risk of new fragility fractures at 3,5,10 and 15 years was 1.8%, 3.7%, 14.7%, 22.2%; and 1.5%, 1.9%, 3.9%, 6.7%, respectively, in the osteoporosis/previous fracture and non-osteoporosis groups (log rank test; p<0.001). Cox regression showed that older age (HR1.08[1.03-1.12]; p=0.001), osteoporosis/previous fracture (HR3.47[1.59-7.59]; p=0.002) and a family history of fracture (HR4.31[1.41-13.2]; p=0.01) at baseline were independently associated with the development of new fractures after adjustment for confounding factors. SLE duration, childhood onset disease, low BMI, chronic smoking, premature menopause, use of glucocorticoids, MMF, AZA or hydroxychloroquine, anti-Ro positivity, history of thrombocytopenia, hemolytic anemia and neuropsychiatric manifestations were not significant risk factors for new fractures. In those patients using glucocorticoids at baseline, there was no significant relationship between the daily dosage of prednisolone and new fractures.ConclusionIn a longitudinal cohort of SLE followed for over 12 years, new fragility fracture developed in 8.9% of patients. Increasing age, osteoporosis, a personal or family history of fractures were major risk factors.Disclosure of InterestsNone declared