Fracture Prevention Program
For older adults, one break all too often leads to another.
Based on research, if you’re 50 or older and have experienced a fragility fracture, you’re two to five times more likely to have a second fracture than someone who hasn’t had one. And after two fractures, the odds for a third break are even higher. A fragility fracture is a bone break sustained in a fall from standing height or less.
At Atrium Health Musculoskeletal Institute Fracture Prevention Program, we optimize bone health in older adults to reduce their risk of fragility fractures. Our program has been recognized as an Own the Bone Star Performer by the American Orthopaedic Association for our commitment to improving patient bone health after a fracture.
Make an Appointment by calling 704-446-9013
Who can benefit from fracture prevention care?
If you’re 50 or older and have had a fracture from a simple fall, have ever been told you have bone loss, osteoporosis or osteopenia, or if your provider thinks a bone health evaluation would be helpful, our fracture prevention program may be beneficial for you.
Our goal is to help you minimize your fragility fracture risk, so you can be more active and independent – and live life to the fullest.
What to expect
At your first visit, we will review your medical history and give you a physical exam. Based on that information, we will determine which diagnostic tests may be needed, such as lab tests, X-rays or a bone-density scan.
After all the results are collected and analyzed, we’ll develop a preventative care plan just for you. Your plan may include an exercise program emphasizing balance and fall prevention strategies, dietary and lifestyle recommendations, non-prescription supplements and prescription medications. Our individualized plans are all geared toward increasing bone health and decreasing the risk of future fragility fractures.
Your fracture prevention team will evaluate your progress and, if needed, will adjust your care plan. Follow-up visits are scheduled as needed.
If we detect something abnormal, we may refer you to another specialist, such as a dietician, hematologist, rheumatologist or endocrinologist.
Get to know JoAnn, a family nurse practitioner specializing in bone health at Atrium Health Musculoskeletal Institute.
About fragility fractures
The underlying cause for the vast majority of fragility fractures is osteoporosis, a progressive disease that decreases the weight and density of bones, making them more brittle and easier to break. Osteoporosis doesn’t have any obvious symptoms, so in most cases, it goes unnoticed until a fracture occurs. And, unfortunately, those fractures are anything but rare.
About our fracture prevention program
Our program was created from a collaborative effort with Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist’s Fracture Prevention program to provide effective fracture prevention strategies.
Our program is led by JoAnn Holzinger, FNP, who has a deeply rooted passion for all things related to bone health. She is focused on education and increasing community awareness of osteoporosis. JoAnn believes that strong bones are the key to active aging, and active aging is essential for independent living and the best possible quality of life.
Learn more about our fracture prevention program here.
