Osteoporosis Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Osteoporosis, including details on symptoms, treatment, prevention, causes.

The identification of osteoporosis in patients presenting with low-impact fracture: a pilot study of a method for identification of these patients.

Rees JE, Mann C

Department of Plastic Surgery, Frenchay Hospital, Frenchay Park RD, Frenchay, Bristol, B516 1LE UK. Jakrees@doctors.org.uk

OBJECTIVES: To assess the use of a portable ultrasound unit in screening for osteoporosis in older patients presenting to the Emergency Department (ED) with low-impact fractures. METHOD: All patients over 65 years with a possible low-impact fracture were to be identified and screened. Full ethical approval was obtained. An initial pilot study of "non-osteoporotic" ED staff was carried out before the full study was to occur. RESULTS: The pilot study showed portable ultrasound measuring proximal phalanx bone mineral density lacked both precision and accuracy. CONCLUSIONS: The aims of the study were worthwhile. However, the initial pilot study showed that the tools were inadequate for a full study. The full study was abandoned and new ways of identifying these patients are being looked at.

Published 2 May 2005 in Accid Emerg Nurs, 13(2): 126-9.
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