RT Journal
A1 Templeton, Kimberly J.
T1 Commentary on an article by Ruth K. Wilson, MD, et al.: “Male and Non-English-Speaking Patients with Fracture Have Poorer Knowledge of Osteoporosis”
JF The Journal of Bone & Joint Surgery
JO The Journal of Bone & Joint Surgery
YR 2011
FD April 20
VO 93
IS 8
SP e43 1
OP 2
DO 10.2106/JBJS.K.00039
UL http://dx.doi.org/10.2106/JBJS.K.00039
AB 
The presence of a prior fracture is the strongest risk factor for additional fractures, which emphasizes the need for intervention after the index fracture. Intervention includes not only recognition and treatment of bone-health issues by clinicians but also awareness of the risk factors that can be modified. Enhanced knowledge encourages patients to seek out additional information and has been shown to lead to lifestyle changes. Prior studies have demonstrated limited knowledge of osteoporosis risk factors among the general public as well as among those who have already sustained a fracture. The authors of this article sought to determine which demographic and social factors impact the levels of osteoporosis knowledge among patients who were forty years of age or older and who had sustained a fracture. Although this population was somewhat younger than the fracture population typically included in this type of study, this younger age range includes those with potentially decades of risk for additional fractures, making intervention even more crucial.