Children and young adults with medical complexity experience a myriad of risk factors for decreased bone mineral density and fragility-related fractures. Despite this known vulnerability, the true incidence of fragility-related fractures in this population is not well documented. Furthermore, there is no clear medical consensus about how best to mitigate this risk. Family and caregivers of individuals with medical complexity often experience unfair scrutiny, stigma, and reputational risk when fragility-related fractures occur.

Our talk will attempt to provide an evidence-based estimate of the incidence of fragility-related fractures. It will first define what is meant by the term “medical complexity.” It will then offer a brief review of bone health and metabolism and review the risk fractures associated with decreased bone mineral density in the medically fragile population. We will also review current evidence-based recommendations for evaluation of decreased bone mineral density and mitigation of fracture risk. Lastly, our talk will propose a new language model that reframes our conversations about fragility-related fractures, shifting away from a punitive model of cause and effect, and toward a recognition that decreased bone mineral density and heightened fracture risk are known complications of chronic medically complex diseases.

Speakers

Alvin Moyer, MD, Chief Medical Officer, Director of Palliative Care Services, Elizabeth Seton Children’s Center

Cemre Robinson, MD, Director, Pediatric Bone Health Program, Mount Sinai

Weinberg Family Cerebral Palsy Center Orthopedics Lunch & Learn

Our Cerebral Palsy Lunch & Learn seminar series focuses on the care of cerebral palsy across the lifespan. The series is designed to improve cerebral palsy care by providing participants and faculty a forum for interaction and collaboration. This online series is hosted by WFCPC Clinical Director, orthopedic surgeon Joshua E. Hyman, MD with a guest speaker for each session.

Cerebral Palsy Orthopedics Lunch & Learn