Introduction: Osteoporosis is defined as a systemic skeletal disease characterized by low bone mass density and deterioration of bone micro-architecture with a consequent increase of bone fragility and susceptibility to fractures. With the incidence in constant increase probably due to the demographic modifications and the continuous increment of the average life of the population, it is equally important to understanding the disease for prevention.
Methodology: Total of 35 patients admitted to our center for hip fractures from 1st November 2018 to 31st December 2018, of which were 17 females and 18 males. Included patients were more than 60 years of age, sane and alert, and were ambulating independently prior to their trauma. From admission, they were assigned dedicated staffs to these patients and were tasked to educate these patients to be aware of their condition, dietary advise, proposed ambulation exercises and to be adherent to anti-osteoporosis drugs. They were re briefed by the team to ensure their understanding post operatively prior to discharge, and were given follow up date of a month to review their condition post operatively.
Results: During the re-briefing prior to discharge, 98% of patients were able to recall information from the initial encounter. During review a month after their discharge however 75% managed to adhere to the post operative advice given. All patients were compliant to the medications, 75% were able to recall about their condition, 82% were adherent to the dietary advice. However only 50% were following the ambulatory exercise given claiming due to inadequate pain relief.
Conclusion: Active intervention and education of patients indeed will improve general outcome of patients, thus propagating a path towards reducing morbidity due osteoporosis.
|