University Health earns national recognition for bone fracture prevention

University Health is leading the way in fracture prevention and post-fracture patient care, earning a Star Performer designation from the American Orthopaedic Association (AOA) Own the Bone program. Only institutions that offer the highest level of care for fragility fractures and bone health can earn this designation.

More than 50 million people in the United States have osteoporosis or are at high risk due to low bone mass, and that number is expected to grow as the population ages. Many people with fragile bones don’t know they have the disease, leaving them undiagnosed and untreated, which contributes to a higher risk of bone fractures.

Half of all women and up to 25% of men over age 50 will break a bone due to osteoporosis. Without preventive treatment, these patients are at a high risk of another fracture. However, most of them are not tested or treated for osteoporosis. For older people, the consequences can be devastating or even deadly: Nearly 25% of people who suffer a hip fracture die within a year. Many others may lose much of their mobility and independence and often require long-term nursing home care.

The Own the Bone program at University Hospital is part of the orthopedic trauma unit where many of the bone fragility cases are first seen after older people fall. University Health is dedicated to preventing bone fractures by educating patients on measures to manage and improve their bone health, such as taking calcium and vitamin D supplements, doing weight-bearing and muscle-strengthening exercises, limiting alcohol, and quitting smoking. University Health physicians also ensure their patients understand strategies to prevent falls, have bone density testing when needed, and take appropriate medications as directed. The AOA recognizes organizations where at least 75% of patients enrolled in the Own the Bone program comply with five or more prevention strategies.

University Health is committed to helping patients understand their risk for future fractures and the steps they can take to prevent them. When breaks occur, our physicians ensure osteoporotic fracture patients receive the highest-quality care and treatment.