The
Bone Health and Osteoporosis Program at Northwestern
University
Osteoporosis is a very common and significant problem
that causes pain, disability, nursing home admissions
and death in this population.
In
the United States only 5% of patients who are hospitalized
with a broken hip are ever evaluated or treated for
osteoporosis. Currently
Northwestern Memorial Hospital is one of the first
hospitals in the country where all patients with hip
fractures receive expert care for osteoporosis. We
are a comprehensive and interdisciplinary program
designed to address bone health and osteoporosis related
issues. Our goal is to educate physicians and the
community about bone health and osteoporosis, provide
clinical services in the areas of bone and mineral
metabolism, and participate in clinical research.
Inpatient
Consultation
The Bone Health and Osteoporosis
Service evaluates hospitalized patients with minimal
trauma fractures (MTF). While they are hospitalized,
we provided patients with evaluations
for metabolic bone disease, osteoporosis and give
them appropriate treatment recommendations.
Patients are encouraged
to follow-up with the Osteoporosis Program as outpatients
in order to develop a personalized plan of care. All
treatment recommendations are communicated to primary
care physicians (PCP).
Emergency
Department
Non-hospitalized patients with
minimal trauma fractures (MTF) or broken bones are
given information about osteoporosis and are recommended
to have a bone density test and clinical evaluation.
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