• Eric Hesse, Wolfgang Böcker, Christian Kammerlander, Ulla Stumpf, Ingrid Weber, and Uwe Maus.
• Institut für Molekulare Muskuloskelettale Forschung, Klinikum der Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, Fraunhoferstr. 20, 82152, Planegg-Martinsried, Deutschland. eric.hesse@med.uni-muenchen.de.
• Unfallchirurg. 2019 Oct 1; 122 (10): 766-770.

BackgroundOsteoporosis results in fragility fractures that are associated with a high morbidity and mortality as well as an increased risk for subsequent fragility fractures. Thus, the first fragility fracture should be the last. To achieve this goal patients need treatment of osteoporosis according to the prevailing clinical guidelines.ObjectiveThis article presents the current clinical care situation of patients with a manifest osteoporosis in Germany and the accompanying risks. As a possible solution the concept of a fracture liaison service (FLS) as a new intersectoral care concept is presented and options for the establishment of FLS in Germany are provided.Material And MethodsA literature search (PubMed) was conducted using key terms. The practical experiences of the authors in the context of establishing an FLS were also considered.ResultsCompared to other countries, in Germany only a minority of patients receive treatment for osteoporosis after fragility fractures. To improve the care situation an intersectoral FLS provides a coordinated referral of patients with fragility fractures from inpatient care in hospitals to specialists in private practice. This enables the strict identification and treatment of high-risk patients according to the prevailing clinical guidelines. In Germany, different options exist to structure an FLS under consideration of the local circumstances.ConclusionIn Germany, FLS should be established nationwide and according to uniform standards. This would significantly improve the quality of clinical care of patients with manifest osteoporosis.

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