Mount Sinai Implements Innovative Program to Improve Osteoporosis Care

The Leni and Peter W. May Department of Orthopedic Surgery at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai has launched the Own the Bone® program, a significant initiative aimed at enhancing the identification, evaluation, and treatment of patients suffering from osteoporosis-related fractures. This program joins over 300 healthcare institutions across the United States, marking a concerted effort to address the alarming rates of fragility fractures, which are often overlooked in clinical settings.

Fragility fractures, defined as fractures resulting from falls from standing height or less, pose serious health risks. According to the Bone Health & Osteoporosis Foundation, nearly 50% of women and 25% of men over the age of 50 will experience such fractures during their lifetime. Furthermore, patients who have sustained a fragility fracture are two to four times more likely to suffer another fracture compared to those who have not experienced one. Despite this statistic, less than 50% of Medicare patients receive the recommended osteoporosis care following a fragility fracture, highlighting a critical gap in patient management (Bone Health & Osteoporosis Foundation, 2023).

The Own the Bone® program seeks to rectify this issue by implementing a fracture liaison service at Mount Sinai. This service, staffed by care coordinators such as nurses or physician assistants, will focus on the comprehensive care of fragility fracture patients. Coordinators will be responsible for ensuring that these patients are adequately identified and treated in accordance with specific medical needs.

Dr. Leesa M. Galatz, Professor and Chair of the Department of Orthopedic Surgery at Mount Sinai, emphasized the program's potential, stating, “The Own the Bone program is a tremendous opportunity to better service our patients with a more individualized approach to fracture care.” The initiative incorporates ten prevention measures aimed at enhancing patient care, including recommendations for nutrition, physical activity, pharmacotherapy, and bone mineral density testing.

Phoebe Ke, PA-C, MHA, CCD, the Own the Bone Program Coordinator, expressed a similar sentiment, remarking, “Wellness, independence, and quality of life are so closely tied to bone health, and unfortunately, osteoporosis is often not appropriately addressed. We have a wonderful opportunity to help patients work toward bone health and prevent fractures through our Own the Bone program.”

The significance of this initiative is accentuated by a growing body of research highlighting the critical need for improved osteoporosis care. A study published in the Journal of Bone and Mineral Research in 2022 indicated that up to 80% of individuals with osteoporosis remain undiagnosed, illustrating the urgent need for proactive management strategies (Journal of Bone and Mineral Research, 2022).

Internationally, osteoporosis is recognized as a major public health issue. The World Health Organization estimates that osteoporosis affects 200 million people worldwide, leading to approximately 8.9 million fractures annually (World Health Organization, 2022). The Own the Bone® program aligns with global efforts to combat this epidemic by providing a framework for improved clinical care and patient education.

This initiative also has economic implications. A report from the National Osteoporosis Foundation in 2021 projected that the total direct costs of osteoporosis-related fractures in the United States will reach $25.3 billion annually by 2025 (National Osteoporosis Foundation, 2021). Enhanced treatment protocols, such as those promoted by the Own the Bone® program, could potentially alleviate some of these costs by reducing fracture rates and associated healthcare expenditures.

In conclusion, the implementation of the Own the Bone® program at Mount Sinai represents a significant advancement in the management of osteoporosis and fragility fractures. As healthcare institutions increasingly recognize the importance of addressing bone health, initiatives like this one may serve as a model for comprehensive fracture care, ultimately improving outcomes and quality of life for patients across the nation. With the ongoing collaboration among healthcare providers, researchers, and patients, there is hope for a future where osteoporosis is effectively managed, and fragility fractures are significantly reduced.