Geriatric traumatological management of osteoporosis : "Let the first fracture be the last"

In Germany more than 800,000 osteoporotic fractures occur every year, with severe medical, social and health economic consequences. Nevertheless, as in many other countries there is a large gap in care. Fractures frequently occur in older geriatric patients, who are increasingly being (or should be) treated in geriatric trauma centers. This multidisciplinary approach offers the opportunity not only to restore the patient's mobility and independence but also to set the course for preventing further fractures. Diagnosing osteoporosis and initiating treatment early after a fracture is particularly important as there is an imminently high risk of further fractures in the months and years following a fracture. This review article describes a pragmatic, guideline-based approach to osteoporosis management for geriatric trauma patients. It discusses fracture risk assessment, current treatment thresholds and treatment strategies as well as the individual osteoporosis drugs, the indications and contraindications. This review aims to show that the treatment of osteoporosis within the framework of a geriatric traumatology team is feasible in the majority of cases. It is suggested that a treatment decision can be systematically made based on a few questions or a flow chart.