Falls, osteoporosis, and hip fractures

• Published in: The Medical clinics of North America Vol. 95; no. 3; p. 495
• Main Authors: Cummings-Vaughn, Lenise A, Gammack, Julie K
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States 01.05.2011
• Subjects: Accident Prevention - methods; Accidental Falls - prevention & control; Accidental Falls - statistics & numerical data; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Body Mass Index; Bone Density; Bone Density Conservation Agents - therapeutic use; Comorbidity; Geriatric Assessment - methods; Health Promotion - methods; Health Services for the Aged - organization & administration; Health Status; Hip Fractures - epidemiology; Hip Fractures - prevention & control; Humans; Middle Aged; Osteoporosis - epidemiology; Osteoporosis - prevention & control; Risk Assessment; Risk Factors
• ISSN: 1557-9859
• DOI: 10.1016/j.mcna.2011.03.003

Osteoporosis and falls are distinct conditions that share the potential clinical endpoint of fracture. This article explores the associations between osteoporosis and falls by examining the epidemiology, risk factors, risk prevention, and treatments. It outlines the evidence on falls prevention, osteoporosis diagnosis, and fracture risk assessment. It includes several studies that challenge the common view on the use of fall prevention tools, dual energy X-ray absorptiometry testing, and postfracture bisphosphonate treatment. By understanding the evidence, it becomes clearer how to target populations at risk, interpret screening methods, and promote disease prevention and treatment.