Endocrine Abstracts

Osteoporosis and Fracture: The Role of the Endocrine Nurse

The importance of osteoporosis lies in the increased fracture risk associated with reduced bone mineral density (BMD). Although osteoporosis is not painful, osteoporotic fractures are associated with significant morbidity and mortality; furthermore the occurrence of a fracture leads to an increased risk of subsequent fracture in both women and men.

Identification of patients over 50 years of age with a history of fracture for assessment of osteoporosis is essential as these patients are at highest risk of further fractures and are likely to benefit from treatment for the 'secondary prevention' of fractures. Specialist nurses have a key role in the Fracture Liaison Service, established in 1999 in Glasgow, to provide routine assessment to all women and men presenting to orthopaedics and accident and emergency with new fractures.

For patients at risk of osteoporosis there may be opportunities to reduce the risk of their first fracture, 'primary prevention'. With few exceptions, endocrinopathies adversely influence bone mineralisation and are associated with increased risk of osteoporosis. Endocrine nurses have a key role in the long-term care of patients with endocrine dysfunction and are ideally placed to engage with their patients in education and management strategies to address osteoporosis, to achieve both primary and secondary prevention of osteoporotic fracture.