7. Preventing the next fracture

We’re almost ready to send Grace home! But if she does fall again, how can we prevent another fracture? In the final episode of our first season, we explore the key trials that have shaped our approach to bone health — from calcium and vitamin D to bisphosphonates such as alendronate, and finally zoledronate. We unpack the benefits and challenges of these treatments, and reflect on why bone protection is so important for the whole multidisciplinary team. Join us as we wrap up Season 1, bringing together everything we’ve learned about improving outcomes for patients like Grace.

Links:

‘Hip Fracture – the Cardiff approach’ on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlistlist=PLH4P3rNfQEEswi7nEQQLTyyz7b2XVB4Ez

Patient level pooled analysis of 68,500 patients from seven major vitamin D fracture trials in US and Europe: Abrahamsen et al. BMJ 2010 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20068257/

Oral vitamin D3 and calcium for secondary prevention of low-trauma fractures in elderly people: a randomised placebo-controlled trial: The RECORD Trial Group. Lancet 2005 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15885294/

Randomised trial of alendronate on risk of fracture in women with existing vertebral fractures: Fracture Intervention Trial Research Group. Lancet 1996 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8950879/

Zoledronic acid, clinical fractures and mortality after hip fracture: Lyles et al. NEMJ 2007. https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa074941

National Hip Fracture Database: ⁠https://www.nhfd.co.uk/⁠

Questions and suggestions? Email: Raihaan.Biju@wales.nhs.net