How to Prevent Fragility Fractures: A Guideline for Family Doctors

Fragility fractures are a major health concern for older adults and can result in disability, admission to hospital and long-term care, and reduced quality of life. 

The Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care guideline published in CMAJ provides evidence-based recommendations on screening for primary prevention of fragility fractures.

In this special episode of the CMAJ podcast, CMAJ editor-in-chief Dr. Kirsten Patrick speaks to Dr. Roland Grad, a family physician and an author of the new guideline, about the evidence reviews conducted by the task force, the main points of the new guideline, and how family doctors can use it in practice.

The guideline recommends screening females over 65 using the FRAX tool without bone mineral density (BMD) as a risk assessment first strategy. Dr. Grad emphasizes the importance of shared decision making, which can be facilitated using the Fragility Fracture Decision Aid, which incorporates the FRAX tool. This online, interactive tool helps  guide discussions with patients about their fracture risk and potential benefits of preventive treatment.

Links to resources mentioned in the interview:

Canadian Task Force on Preventive Healthcare guideline

Fragility Fractures Clinician Infographic

Fragility Fracture Decision Aid 

Article in Journal of Systematic Reviews

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