Key Facts:
- Osteoporosis often goes undiagnosed until after a fracture occurs. Risk of further fractures increases dramatically after one fracture (Papaioannou et al, 2000).
- Ideally, the occurrence of low-impact fractures would be an automatic trigger for risk assessment for osteoporosis and falls, with further investigation and follow-up (Ontario Women’s Health Council, 2003)
- Current management of fracture patients tends to focus on the care of the fracture, often neglecting patient rehabilitation and leaving the osteoporosis undiagnosed and untreated (OWHC, 2003).
The Strategy aims to increase the rate of referrals of fracture patients for assessment and treatment of
osteoporosis to reduce the risk of re-fracture. A province-wide fracture clinic intervention program [link])
focuses on improved linkages between fracture clinics, primary care professionals, orthopaedic wards,
rehabilitation and long-term facilities. The program also relies on the active participation of the person
with osteoporosis in effective self-management strategies and community-based falls prevention programs.
Target Groups:
- Health care facilities.
- Professional health care associations
- Researchers
- Patients with osteoporosis
Key Activities:
- Osteoporosis Canada
- Ontario Orthopaedic Association
- St. Michael’s Hospital
- Toronto Rehabilitation Institute
- McMaster University
