[Effective tracing of osteoporosis at a fracture and osteoporosis clinic in Groningen; an analysis of the first 100 patients].
OBJECTIVE: To analyse the results from a fracture and osteoporosis (FO) outpatient clinic in order to achieve efficient case-finding for osteoporosis in patients of 50 years and older with a fracture due to low-energy trauma. DESIGN: Descriptive. METHOD: Following the publication of new professional guidelines for case-finding and treatment of osteoporosis, an FO outpatient clinic was opened at the University Hospital of Groningen, The Netherlands, to which patients of 50 years and older with a fracture due to low-energy trauma could be referred for further diagnosis and treatment after initial treatment for trauma. Bone-mineral density of the lumbar spine, hip and distal radius was assessed with dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA). Patients with manifest osteoporosis, defined as having a fracture and a T-score < or = -2 SD at one of the measured sites, were put on medication. The results from the first 100 patients were analysed. RESULTS: In the first five months 74% (116/156) of the patients were seen in the FO clinic. In January 2004 the first 100 patients completed the diagnostic process. A total of 67 patients had manifest osteoporosis, 20 osteopenia and 13 had normal bone density. Furthermore, 48% of the patients between 50 and 60 years old had manifest osteoporosis. Unrecognised vertebral fractures were found in 21 patients. Forty-three percent of patients with manifest osteoporosis had low 25-OH-vitamine D levels (< 30 nmol/l). Eleven patients were sent to the Department of Internal Medicine on indication of secondary osteoporosis. CONCLUSION: The FO outpatient clinic proved to be effective and useful for identifying and treating a population at risk of osteoporosis.