The UAB Fracture and Fragility Clinic brings together specialists in orthopaedic surgery and endocrinology to evaluate and treat patients with osteoporosis, osteopenia, fragility fractures, and other bone health concerns.
Osteoporosis causes bones to become weak and brittle, increasing the risk of fractures. Osteopenia is a condition characterized by low bone density that can also increase fracture risk. Fragility fractures can occur following minor falls or routine daily activities and most commonly affect the hip, spine, wrist, and shoulder. The clinic also evaluates patients with bone density loss and fractures that do not heal properly (nonunion fractures).
The clinic takes a comprehensive approach to fracture care by addressing both the injury and underlying bone conditions that may increase the risk of future fractures. Orthopaedic providers help identify and treat fractures, while endocrinology specialists focus on bone evaluation, medication management, long-term fracture prevention, and identifying the underlying causes of weakened bones. The clinic also works closely with endocrinologists, rheumatologists, and a gerontologist in the UAB Osteoporosis Prevention and Treatment Clinic.
Treatment plans are customized to each patient's needs and may include medication therapy, bone density testing, nutrition and lifestyle guidance, strategies to reduce fall risk, and ongoing monitoring. A DXA scan is helpful but not required before visiting the clinic.
The clinic expands access to specialized bone health care, with most new patients able to be seen within 30 days of requesting an appointment. For more information about osteoporosis care and available services, visit UAB Medicine's Osteoporosis.