Citation

Vun JSH, Ahmadi M, Panteli M, Pountos I, Giannoudis PV. Injury 2017; 48(Suppl 7): S10-S16.

Affiliation

Academic Department of Trauma & Orthopaedics, School of Medicine, University of Leeds, United Kingdom; NIHR Leeds Biomedical Research Center, Chapel Allerton Hospital, Leeds, United Kingdom.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2017, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.injury.2017.08.031

PMID

28851522

Abstract

Dementia and fragility fractures are two conditions that pose significant morbidity and mortality to the elderly population. The occurrence of the 'gerontic' boom as a result of improved healthcare meant a continued increase in the prevalence of fragility fractures and dementia. This represents a major public health problem with significant socioeconomic repercussions. It is therefore important for healthcare professionals to gain a better understanding on the relationship between these two commonly co-existing conditions. In this review, we present the available literature surrounding the relationship between fragility fractures and dementia, and the common challenges faced in the management of these two conditions. Combining evidence from the literature along with our current clinical practice, we propose a management pathway aimed at early diagnosis, prevention and management of these two often co-existing conditions. This alongside with a multidisciplinary approach will not only translate to improved patient outcomes and survivorship, but also reduced healthcare cost and socio-economic burden. To date, there is insufficient evidence from the literature to suggest whether dementia is the cause or effect for fragility fractures, or if indeed there is a bidirectional relationship between the two conditions. Further studies are required to shed light onto this important clinical topic.

Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Language: en

Keywords

Atypical; Bisphosphonates; Osteoporosis; Stress/insufficiency fractures