Impact of the FLS model on patients with major fracture in Gran Canaria: 2018-2022 experience.

Unlabelled: We analyzed 5396 patients with fragility fracture, their inclusion by the FLS, and prescription of treatment. Thirty-four percent of potential cases were attended by the FLS, and at the healthcare level, the impact of FLS model resulted in an increase of treated patients from 20% in standard care to 41%.

Introduction: Patients with fragility fractures are at high risk of new fractures, with a negative impact on their quality of life, as well as higher mortality and costs for the health system, especially for hip fractures. Less than 20% of patients receive treatment (lifestyle advice, calcium, vitamin D, and bisphosphonate) after a fracture. The fracture liaison service (FLS) is the most effective model for secondary prevention.

Objectives: To analyze the incidence of fragility fractures in the area of Gran Canaria North and the impact of the FLS unit on the prevention of new fractures.

Methods: Patients > 50 years were attended at the emergency department for fractures of the proximal femur, proximal humerus, distal forearm, pelvis, or vertebra during the period 2018-2022 were included. A file was constructed containing demographic data, type of fracture, inclusion in the FLS, and the initiation of treatment to prevent new fractures. A sample of patients not treated at the FLS was selected for estimating the prophylaxis of fractures under standard care management.

Results: A total of 5396 patients were included, 74.2% women, with a mean age of 74 years. After excluding 558 traumatic fractures (10.3%), 318 (5.9%) deaths, and 167 (3.1%) cases due to a lack of criteria, the sample of potential patients who were candidates for FLS was 4353. This represented 80.6% of the initial sample, of which 1497 patients (34.4%) were attended at the unit. Factors independently associated with referral to the FLS were younger age (OR 0.97; 95% CI 0.97-0.98), female sex (OR 2.24; 95% CI 1.91-2.61), and humerus fracture (OR 1.34; 95% CI 1.16-1.55). Treatment to prevent fractures was verified in 1189 patients (79.4%) in the FLS group and in 585 (20.4%) of those with fragility fractures who were not included. At the healthcare level, the services provided by the FLS resulted in an increase in treated patients from 20% in standard care to 41% with the FLS model.

Conclusions: In terms of treatment initiation to new fracture prevention at the healthcare level, the FLS achieved a twofold increase. The high incidence of fractures and the progressive aging of the population underline the effectiveness of the FLS secondary prevention model.