Management of Osteoporotic Fractures in Veterans with Spinal Cord Injury

Persons in the military are at increased risk of serious injuries such as spinal cord injuries. In addition, accidents and diseases can also lead to spinal cord injury and paralysis. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) cares for over 250,000 Veterans with spinal cord injuries and disorders (SCI/D). Patients with SCI/D have an increased risk for osteoporotic related fractures, and these fractures can have serious consequences. There is a lot of variation across the VA healthcare system as to how osteoporosis in persons with a SCI is diagnosed and treated. This variation is most likely due to the fact that currently no guidelines exist to help providers and patients judge what is the best way to determine if a person with a SCI is at high risk for fractures and how to prevent them. In this study, we will be reviewing administrative databases, published literature, and convening an expert panel to come up with recommendations to prevent osteoporotic fractures. The intent is that this will lead to better diagnosis of osteoporosis and treatment of it with medications.