Fracture risk assessment and fracture-healing support
Specialist assessment after fractures, abnormal scans or concerns about bone fragility, with advice on reducing future fracture risk and supporting bone healing.
A fracture can be the first sign of underlying bone weakness. A specialist review can help identify why it happened and what can be done to reduce future risk.
What is fracture risk assessment?
Fracture risk assessment looks at the likelihood of future fractures by reviewing bone density, previous fractures, age, medical history, medication use, falls risk and other factors that affect bone strength.
Understanding why a fracture happened
A fracture after a minor fall may suggest underlying osteoporosis or another bone health problem. A specialist review helps identify whether further investigation or treatment is needed.
Supporting recovery and prevention
Management may include bone density review, blood tests, medication planning, vitamin D and calcium advice, exercise guidance and measures to reduce future falls and fractures.
When specialist review may be useful
A fracture risk consultation can be helpful after a first fragility fracture, repeated fractures, delayed healing or uncertainty about whether osteoporosis treatment is needed.
Common reasons for referral
- Fracture after a minor fall or low-impact injury
- Previous wrist, hip, spine or shoulder fracture
- Loss of height or suspected vertebral fracture
- Low bone density on a DEXA scan
- Concern about future fracture risk
Factors that may increase risk
- Osteoporosis or osteopenia
- Long-term steroid use or other medication risks
- Vitamin D deficiency or calcium imbalance
- Early menopause or hormone-related risk factors
- Falls, balance problems or reduced mobility
What the consultation may include
The aim is to understand your current fracture risk, identify any treatable causes and recommend a practical plan to reduce future fractures.
The type of fracture, how it happened, healing progress and previous fractures are reviewed.
DEXA scan results, blood tests, medication history and wider risk factors are assessed.
Secondary causes of bone weakness may be considered, including vitamin D, calcium and metabolic factors.
You receive advice on treatment, monitoring, lifestyle, falls risk and long-term fracture prevention.
How future fracture risk may be reduced
Prevention depends on the cause of the fracture, your bone density, medical history and overall level of risk.
Bone health support
- Review of calcium and vitamin D status
- Osteoporosis medication where appropriate
- Advice on injections or infusions for higher risk cases
- Monitoring with repeat scans or blood tests if needed
- Investigation for metabolic or secondary causes
Recovery and prevention support
- Falls risk reduction and balance advice
- Safe activity and strengthening guidance
- Review of lifestyle factors affecting bone health
- Coordination with other clinicians where needed
- Long-term plan for reducing future fracture risk
Fracture risk assessment questions
Common questions about specialist fracture risk review and fracture-healing support.
Does one fracture mean I have osteoporosis?
Not always, but a fracture after a minor fall can be a warning sign of bone fragility and should be reviewed in the context of your wider risk factors.
Can fracture risk be reduced?
Yes. Treatment may include osteoporosis medication, vitamin D and calcium correction, exercise advice, falls prevention and review of underlying causes.
What if my fracture is slow to heal?
Delayed healing can have several causes. A specialist review may consider bone health, nutrition, vitamin D, medical conditions and medication factors.
Should I have a DEXA scan after a fracture?
A DEXA scan is often useful after a fragility fracture, but the decision depends on your age, fracture type, medical history and previous investigations.
Book a fracture risk assessment consultation
If you have had a fragility fracture, are worried about future fracture risk or need specialist advice about bone healing, please contact the office to arrange a consultation.
Contact details
For private appointments and general enquiries, please contact Professor Keen's office.