Osteoporosis implies that the skeleton fails to fulfil their normal function to withstand a certain load/violence and can fracture even at low-energy trauma, so-called osteoporosis fracture. Today, bone health is measured with a so-called Dual energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DXA) where a bone density is obtained. In addition, qualitative measurements, such as trabecular and cortical properties could add valuable information on patient’s bone health and future fracture risk. This is, however, not possible in a clinical routine setting today.
Osteoporosis fractures are common, costly and serious both regarding excess mortality and a risk of lifelong pain and permanent disabilities. At the same time, the disease is currently underdiagnosed and undertreated both regarding pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatment. Fracture Liaison Services (FLS) are built to secure the identification and treatment of risk individuals for osteoporosis. New innovative pathways are important to improve and secure these FLS to ensure that these risk patients are correctly identified, diagnosed and treated optimally from a holistic perspective.
In our research, we look at several links in the FLS, both in terms of identification/diagnostics (new radiological techniques and clinical flows) as well as treatment (drug compliance, patient education and training).
