The leaflet outlines the benefits of a Fracture Liaison Service (FLS) for men who have suffered a fragility fracture, emphasising the importance of early diagnosis and treatment to improve bone health and reduce the risk of future fractures. Men are often less likely to seek help after a fracture, despite having a higher mortality rate and potential underlying health issues following a fracture.
Background
Did you know that osteoporosis, can also affect men? About one in five men will break a bone because they have osteroporosis! If a man breaks a bone from a minor fall, it’s essential they get checked by a doctor. Many men don’t realise that a fall can be serious and they may skip follow-up visits or not get tested for bone strength. This can lead to more problems later on. Knowing about bone health and getting help early can really make a difference.
Recommendations
This guide is here to help men understand how to take care of their bones after a break. Here’s what we suggest:
- If you break a bone, see a doctor to check how strong your bones are.
- Ask about getting a special test called a DEXA scan to measure your bone density.
- Learn about what can weaken bones and how you can make healthy choices, like eating well and staying active.
- Make sure to go to all your appointments to receive appropriate treatment and help prevent further fractures.
Acknowledgement
We would like to thank Mark Jarvis, Gerald Dare, Sarah Brown and the FFFAP patient carer panel for their contributions in making this leaflet.
Contact
If you have any questions or would like further information about this, or any other of our services, please contact the Fracture Liaison Service Database by telephone on +44 (0)20 3075 1511 or by email at FLSDB@rcp.ac.uk.