Fracture Liaison Service
“Capturing the first fracture to prevent another.”
The Fracture Liaison Service Team (often known as FLS) helps people, who are over 50 years of age, who have broken a bone due to a bump, fall, or stumble from a standing height. These injuries are called ‘low trauma’ or ‘fragility’ fractures.
Your doctor or specialist will fix the fracture, but our FLS will assess your bone health and help you reduce the risk of suffering another fracture, especially a devastating hip fracture. Statistically, half of the people who fracture their hips, have previously fractured something else e.g. wrist or humerus.
Why do I need this service?
If you’ve already broken a bone because of osteoporosis, the chance of breaking another bone doubles – especially in the next year. So, if you have osteoporosis, it’s essential that you’re diagnosed and treated quickly to prevent further fractures. It’s also important to avoid another fall, as you may be at more risk of breaking a bone than someone who does not have osteoporosis.
Osteoporosis is a silent disease, and people don’t know they have it until they break a bone. At least 1 in 3 women and 1 in 5 men over 50 will have osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is sometimes confused with osteoarthritis. Osteoporosis is a bone disease; osteoarthritis is a disease of the joints and surrounding tissue. Osteoporosis affects people of all ages and genders, it is not just an “older person’s disease.
Falls prevention is also very important, and you will find more information regarding this under resources. You can use your ACC number to access subsidised physiotherapy sessions/plans.
What will the Fracture Liaison Service team do?
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They’ll assess your medical history and lifestyle to find out if you could have osteoporosis (or be at risk of developing osteoporosis).
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They may suggest that you have a DEXA scan and may provide a funded DEXA scan if you meet criteria for this. They may also suggest you have an up-to-date blood test and can arrange this for you.
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They’ll check your level of risk regarding falls by looking at a number of factors including your strength, balance, vision, and medications.
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They may discuss starting bone protection treatment with you or recommend that you discuss this with your doctor.
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They’ll give you personalised information about what you can do to reach and maintain good bone health and reduce your chances of having another fracture or fall.
It’s never too soon, or too late, to think about healthy bones.
Referrals
The FLS usually finds out about your fracture from your hospital or emergency department visit and from the ACC after they have been informed of your accident. However, your own GP/health practitioner can refer you directly to the service if needed