Cunningham Caitriona1, Mc Gowan Mark2,3, Hughes Elaine2,4, Gallagher Claire2,5, Fitzgerald Michelle4, Ulrik McCarthy Persson2, Cathie Sherrington6, Catherine Blake2. 1. School of Public Health, Physiotherapy and Sports Science, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland. caitriona.g.cunningham@ucd.ie. 2. School of Public Health, Physiotherapy and Sports Science, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland. 3. St James's Hospital, James's Street, Dublin 8, Ireland. 4. Tallaght University Hospital, Tallaght, Dublin 24, Ireland. 5. City Physio, Chartered Physiotherapy Practice, Vesey Terrace, Lucan, County Dublin, Ireland. 6. Institute for Musculoskeletal Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia.
Abstract
Management of hospitalised osteoporotic vertebral fracture patients was explored across all major trauma orthopaedic hospitals in Ireland. Findings, based on a survey of orthopaedic doctors and physiotherapists, indicate a lack of standardised clinical care pathways. This study will inform development of clinical audit mechanisms and health service development for this large and growing fracture population in both Ireland and internationally. PURPOSE: To explore the management of hospitalised vertebral fragility fracture (VFF) patients in Ireland. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey of orthopaedic doctors (specialist registrar level) and physiotherapists was conducted across all hospitals with major orthopaedic trauma units in Ireland. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics in SPSS (V24). RESULTS: Responses were achieved from 100% (n = 16) of the hospitals (42 individual physiotherapists and 47 orthopaedic doctors). Conservative management was usual with both orthopaedic doctors (n = 37, 79%) and physiotherapists (n = 40, 96%) reporting prescription of bracing as common practice despite a lack of underpinning evidence. A majority (87%) of the doctors believed osteoporosis medications should commence prior to discharge from the acute setting, but 68% did not agree that responsibility for coordination and delivery of bone health assessment and fracture risk management rested with them. A majority (72%) of physiotherapists reported an absence or were unsure regarding existence of fracture liaison services. 73% of physiotherapists reported prescribing an inpatient or home (78%) exercise programme, including mobility, strength and balance exercise though detail on dose and adherence remain unknown. Wide variance in referral patterns to multi-disciplinary team (MDT) members existed although 79% of orthopaedic doctors supported an MDT approach. CONCLUSION: Clinical care pathways for the hospitalised VFF population lack standardisation in Ireland. Key challenges reported by orthopaedic doctors and physiotherapists relate to pain management, osteoporosis medication prescription, clarity on indications for bracing and a lack of fracture liaison services. Clinical guidelines, defined clinical care pathways and high-quality clinical research trials are required for VFF management.
Management of hospitalised osteoporotic vertebral fracturepatients was explored across all major trauma orthopaedic hospitals in Ireland. Findings, based on a survey of orthopaedic doctors and physiotherapists, indicate a lack of standardised clinical care pathways. This study will inform development of clinical audit mechanisms and health service development for this large and growing fracture population in both Ireland and internationally. PURPOSE: To explore the management of hospitalised vertebral fragility fracture (VFF) patients in Ireland. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey of orthopaedic doctors (specialist registrar level) and physiotherapists was conducted across all hospitals with major orthopaedic trauma units in Ireland. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics in SPSS (V24). RESULTS: Responses were achieved from 100% (n = 16) of the hospitals (42 individual physiotherapists and 47 orthopaedic doctors). Conservative management was usual with both orthopaedic doctors (n = 37, 79%) and physiotherapists (n = 40, 96%) reporting prescription of bracing as common practice despite a lack of underpinning evidence. A majority (87%) of the doctors believed osteoporosis medications should commence prior to discharge from the acute setting, but 68% did not agree that responsibility for coordination and delivery of bone health assessment and fracture risk management rested with them. A majority (72%) of physiotherapists reported an absence or were unsure regarding existence of fracture liaison services. 73% of physiotherapists reported prescribing an inpatient or home (78%) exercise programme, including mobility, strength and balance exercise though detail on dose and adherence remain unknown. Wide variance in referral patterns to multi-disciplinary team (MDT) members existed although 79% of orthopaedic doctors supported an MDT approach. CONCLUSION: Clinical care pathways for the hospitalised VFF population lack standardisation in Ireland. Key challenges reported by orthopaedic doctors and physiotherapists relate to pain management, osteoporosis medication prescription, clarity on indications for bracing and a lack of fracture liaison services. Clinical guidelines, defined clinical care pathways and high-quality clinical research trials are required for VFF management.
Authors: João Carlos Pedro; Roberto Bezerra Nicolau; Renato Watoniki Offenbacher; Marcos Vinicius Credidio; Fernando Baldy Dos Reis; Luiz Fernando Cocco Journal: Acta Ortop Bras Date: 2021 May-Jun Impact factor: 0.513