Fracture Liaison Service (FLS)

Over 80 per cent of fractures (broken bones) in patients over the age of 50 are caused by osteoporosis.  Already having a fracture places a person at much higher risk of having another.  The FLS sees patients who have had a fracture of the hip, wrist, shoulder, pelvis or spine to make sure they are screened for underlying osteoporosis with the goal of preventing any further breaks.

The FLS Nurse will assess the patient during one of their visits to the orthopaedic clinic, or during their hospital stay.  Any needed tests e.g. Bone Mineral Density (BMD) testing, x-rays and screening blood work, will be coordinated by the FLS Nurse. Nutrition, exercise and falls prevention will be discussed with the patient.  A detailed management plan, including all test results, will be sent to the patient’s primary care provider. The HIGH risk patients will be followed for one year to help ensure the management plan is understood and followed.

All protocols and recommendations follow Osteoporosis Canada’s 2010 Clinical Practice Guidelines.