Results

The mean (SD) ages of the hip, wrist, and vertebral fracture patients were 77.52 (8.17), 69.00 (9.43), and 72.88 (9.30) years respectively for the cases and 77.51 (8.15), 69.00 (9.93), and 72.88 (9.25) years for the relevant controls, which shows that the cases and controls were well matched for age. Table 1 shows that, compared with controls, only patients with a diagnosed vertebral fracture had significantly different use of drugs affecting bone metabolism either during the year of fracture or in the year after fracture. For the 39 patients with a diagnosed vertebral fracture who were still using one of the bone drugs in the year after fracture seven were taking HRT, 10 were prescribed calcium and vitamin D, and 27 were prescribed etidronate. Five patients took a combination of compounds and no patient was prescribed calcitonin or alendronate. The two control patients were both using HRT. There were no age differences between those women using calcium and etidronate and the non-users (75.36 and 72.70 years respectively, p = 0.25); but HRT users were significantly younger (62.00 years, p < 0.001).

Discussion

In this study, the only osteoporotic fracture associated with increased use of drugs for the secondary prevention of further fractures was vertebral. As many vertebral fractures are undiagnosed the fractures identified in this study are probably the more severe symptomatic ones. Despite this, however, the majority of vertebral fracture patients did not receive any of the drug treatments that have been shown to reduce further vertebral fractures. Although some patients may have contraindications to treatment it is unlikely to be as many as 59% who were not prescribed treatment in the year of fracture. Our data, however, do not allow us to determine whether other anti-fracture measures were undertaken (for example, lifestyle advice) or indeed, whether patients were taking over the counter medicines such as calcium supplements. Although drugs other than the ones identified in our study are used for osteoporosis prevention, with the exception of alendronate, they are probably confined to a few specialised secondary care centres. With respect to alendronate it was not lauched in the UK until late 1995 and then not widely used outside specialist centres. Therefore, it is unsurprising given that the fractures occurred in 1995 that no patient was prescribed this compound.

Severe vertebral fracture is not only a disabling condition10 but is an indication of generalised osteoporosis. Such patients are at increased risk of hip and other fractures11; hence, it is important some secondary preventive measures are taken in such patients. For other types of fracture the evidence base for prevention has not been as secure as that for preventing vertebral fractures. However, a recently published trial suggests that a bisphosphonate is effective in reducing vertebral and appendicular fractures (including hip) among women with a prevalent vertebral fracture.5 Furthermore, calcium and vitamin D may have a role in reducing appendicular fractures6 7

In conclusion, then, fractures of the hip and wrist are not associated with increased use of drugs for secondary prevention and only a minority of vertebral fracture patients are prescribed anti-fracture medication.