Osteoporosis treatment in older adults undergoing rehabilitation post-hip fracture

Objective Osteoporosis treatment inpatients who have sustained a hip,fracture has been reported to be less then 20%. The objective of this study is to determine the current rate of adherence to osteoporosis practice guidelines in elderly patients post-hip fracture who have undergone rehabilitation. Methods This was a retrospective chart review of patients over the age of 65 who were admitted to a rehabilitation facility post fragility hip fracture between 2004 and 2005. One hundred and sixty-three patient charts were chosen for review. Treatment rates, reported descriptively, and predictors of guideline adherence, using multi-variant regression models, are reported. Results Osteoporosis therapy (any type) was prescribed to 90 (63%) patients, with bisphosphonates prescribed in 90% of these cases. Calcium and vitamin D was prescribed to 130 (90.9%) patients. Of all the study patients, 76 (53%) of patients had at least one contraindication to osteoporosis therapy identified. Having a diagnosis of osteoporosis was the only factor associated with receiving osteoporosis therapy (OR 13.3, p<0.001). Conclusion In this selected patient population the rates of osteoporosis treatment are higher than previously reported but remain suboptimal.