BMJ  2003;327 (12 July), doi:10.1136/bmj.327.7406.0-e

Evidence based interventions can prevent fractures in elderly people

Fractures among elderly people represent an important and preventable public health problem. In a clinical review on the topic, Woolf and Akesson (p 89) state that prevention of fractures involves reducing falls, minimising the morbidity associated with falls, and maximising bone strength at all ages. Pharmacological treatment is most cost effective for people at high risk: women, people over 75 years old, and elderly patients with osteoporosis or previous falls. Frailty and comorbidity are also associated with risk of fractures. The authors outline a selective case finding approach to help clinicians recognise and treat elderly patients at risk.

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Preventing fractures in elderly people

Anthony D Woolf and Kristina Åkesson
BMJ 2003 327: 89-95. [Extract] [Full Text] [PDF]