Rationale for Bone Health Optimization in Patients Undergoing Orthopaedic Surgery.

Overview

Osteoporosis is common, affecting more than 40 million people, and is associated with increased fracture risk, loss of independence, chronic pain, and disability. Osteoporosis is underdiagnosed and undertreated even after fracture where secondary fracture prevention has been shown to be cost effective in reducing further fracture risk and mortality. Osteoporosis is also undiagnosed in patients undergoing orthopaedic and spine surgery in up to one-third of cases and negatively affects outcomes, need for revision surgery, and risk of complications. The diagnosis of osteoporosis was previously based on bone mineral density; however, recent clinical definitions include T-scores less than -2.5, the presence of hip and spine fractures, and high fracture risk. Surgeons should adopt bone health optimization for elective surgery. This program screens patients to determine whether a bone mineral density test is indicated and provides counseling for nutritional supplements, elimination of toxins, fall risk assessment, and education regarding bone health. Following assessment, patients meeting the criteria for osteoporosis are referred to a bone health specialist or a fracture liaison program. Both antiresorptive and anabolic antiosteoporotic medications appear effective at improving outcomes and reducing complications of orthopaedic and spine surgery, although a delay in surgery may be required.