To the Editor: The editorial by Seibel1 was timely, given the promotion in February last year by the New South Wales Agency for Clinical Innovation of an osteoporotic refracture prevention model of care. The evidence presented by Seibel is compelling — osteoporosis is a serious, undermanaged and preventable problem, and there are no more excuses for not instituting refracture prevention protocols in major teaching hospitals. Not only do these programs work to prevent further patient morbidity and mortality, but they are cost-effective in reducing the burgeoning public hospital costs associated with recurrent fractures and hospital admissions. We question the delay in implementing such programs.
The full article is accessible to AMA members and paid subscribers. Login to read more or purchase a subscription now.
Please note: institutional and Research4Life access to the MJA is now provided through Wiley Online Library.
- 1. Seibel MJ. No more excuses: fracture liaison services work and are cost-effective [editorial]. Med J Aust 2011; 195: 566-567. <MJA full text>
- 2. Phoon S, Spencer D, Manolios N, Howe G. Effectiveness of managing osteoporosis in the primary care setting [abstract]. Intern Med J 2003; 33: A1-A22.
- 3. Phoon S, Spencer D, Manolios N, Howe G. Prospective screening of osteoporosis in patients with minimal trauma fractures presenting to the Emergency Department: a six month review [abstract]. Intern Med J 2003; 33: A1-A22.
- 4. Wong PKK, Spencer DG, McElduff P, et al. Secondary screening for osteoporosis in patients admitted with a minimal-trauma fracture to a major teaching hospital. Intern Med J 2003; 33: 505-510.
- 5. Wong PKK, Spencer DG, Manolios N, et al. Osteoporotic fractures — do we care [abstract]? Intern Med J 2003; 33: A1-A22.
The Department of Rheumatology, Westmead Hospital, received a grant-in-aid from Aventis Pharma to complete the osteoporosis study.