Fracture Risk and Mortality Following a Fragility Fracture

Real-world evidence suggests Canadian healthcare professionals and patients need to pay closer attention to fractures caused by osteoporosis, as they can mean greater risks for subsequent breaksⁱ and even death.ⁱⁱ Specifically, two recent Canadian studies supported by Amgen illustrate how critical it is to proactively assess and treat osteoporosis:

• Fragility fracture identifies patients at imminent risk for subsequent fracture: real-world retrospective database study in Ontario, Canada
  This study of Canadians older than 65 concluded that those who experienced a fragility fracture are at imminent risk of experiencing a subsequent fracture within the next 2 years and should be proactively assessed and treated.ⁱⁱⁱ


• Mortality in older adults following a fragility fracture: real-world retrospective matched-cohort study in Ontario
  This study of Canadians older than 65 confirmed that a fragility fracture is associated with increased mortality risk. In fact, survival declined over the six years following the fracture with the steepest reduction occurring within the first year, when mortality risk more than doubled^iv and deaths were observed in 1 in 8 women with fractures and 1 in 5 men with fractures.^v

These studies support the need to recognize first fractures caused by osteoporosis as an important risk factor for subsequent fracture and even death.

Despite this demonstrated risk and according to Osteoporosis Canada, only about 20% of fragility fracture patients in Canada currently undergo diagnosis and treatment for osteoporosis to help reduce the risk of subsequent fractures.^{vi, vii, viii}

In order to effectively address this gap, it is important to provide education related to fracture and mortality risk to both medical and non-medical professionals involved in treating and/or caring for those who have experienced a fracture due to osteoporosis.^ix

Data from this real-world research, as well as prior research focusing on risks associated with fragility fracture and post-fracture care gaps are highlighted in the infographic found below.