An audit of the fracture liaison service at Helen Joseph Tertiary Hospital, Johannesburg, South Africa
Abstract
Fragility fractures are increasing worldwide, yet osteoporosis often remains underdiagnosed and untreated. This study found a high burden of osteoporosis risk factors among patients enrolled in a South African fracture liaison service, highlighting the need for structured secondary prevention. These findings support expansion of fracture liaison services to improve long-term patient outcomes in resource-limited settings.
Background: Fragility fractures (FF) driven by osteoporosis result in high morbidity and mortality and are a global health concern. Fracture liaison services (FLSs) are the gold standard for secondary prevention, yet data on their implementation and patient profiles in South Africa remain sparse. The Helen Joseph Tertiary Hospital (HJH) FLS was established to improve this care gap.
Objectives: To describe the clinical and demographic characteristics, risk factors for osteoporosis and falls, osteoporosis risk scores, and management of patients enrolled in the FLS at HJH.
Methods: This retrospective audit included 247 patients admitted to the orthopaedic ward and enrolled in the FLS between 03 October 2022 and 04 June 2024. Data on demographics, osteoporosis risk factors, investigations and management were analysed. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05.
Results: The majority of patients were female (74.5%), aged 60-89 years (81.4%). Hip fractures predominated (59.9%), specifically neck of femur (38.8%) and intertrochanteric fractures (21.1%). Although…
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a cohort study, done in people. Its evidence level is 3 of 5 (Moderate · trial / cohort / secondary analysis). Trials without a large randomized design, cohorts and secondary analyses give moderate evidence. Reported size: 247 participants or records.
Read the paper
Related studies
- Effectiveness of Bisphosphonates and Denosumab on Risk of Vertebral Fractures in Prostate Cancer Patients Under Androgen Deprivation Therapies: A Real-World Prospective Study
- Osteoporosis-related fractures after spinal cord injury: a retrospective study from Brazil
- Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D, parathyroid hormone, and mortality in older men
- Lack of Association between Vitamin D Insufficiency and Cardiovascular or Fracture Risk: A UK Biobank Study
- Muscle strength and body composition are clinical indicators of osteoporosis
- Incidence of bone protection and associated fragility injuries in patients with proximal femur fractures
Go deeper in Evidence Hub
Evidence Hub adds a study data sheet (design, sample size, evidence level, key numbers), an AI summary and a chat grounded in the paper's text.