Overlake Medical Center & Clinics Recognized as ‘Star Performer’ by American Orthopaedic Association for Fragility Fracture Patient Care

Overlake Medical Center & Clinics has once again been honored as a Star Performer by the American Orthopaedics Association’s Own the Bone® program—and is the only institution in Washington state to earn this distinction this year.

More than 53 million Americans have osteoporosis or are at high risk due to decreased bone mass; however, many go through life undiagnosed and untreated. Meanwhile, doctors expect the number of Americans with osteoporosis or low bone density to rise due to an increasingly aging population.

A fragility fracture is a serious complication of osteoporosis and often the first sign that a person has the disease. One in two women and one in four men will break a bone in their lifetime due to osteoporosis. Unfortunately, less than half of the nearly 2 million individuals who experience fragility fractures each year are tested or treated for osteoporosis.

Overlake Medical Center & Clinics is Leading the Way in Post-Fracture Patient Care

Overlake joined healthcare organizations nationwide in taking steps to ensure its osteoporotic fracture patients receive proper treatment by participating in The American Orthopaedic Association’s Own the Bone® quality improvement program.

This is Overlake’s fourth instance receiving Own the Bone “Star Performer” designation, an achievement reserved for institutions that perform the highest level of fragility fracture and bone health care. Own the Bone Star Performers must achieve a 75% compliance rate with at least five of the 10 Own the Bone prevention measures including: educating patients on the importance of calcium and vitamin D, physical activity, fall prevention, limiting alcohol intake, and smoking cessation; recommending and initiating bone mineral density testing; discussing pharmacotherapy and treatment (when applicable); and providing written communication to the patient and their physician regarding specific risk factors and treatment recommendations.

Through our participation in Own the Bone and recognition as an Own the Bone Star Performer, Overlake has demonstrated—and will continue to demonstrate—a commitment to helping patients understand their fracture risk and various preventative measures.

What can people do to protect their bones?

• Get adequate calcium and vitamin D, either through diet or supplements, if necessary.
• Engage in regular weight bearing and muscle strengthening exercise.
• Prevent falls around the home and be careful of stairs, railings, clutter, etc.
• Avoid smoking and limit alcohol intake to two-three drinks per day.