IOF urges bone health checks before joint replacement and spinal fusion

The International Osteoporosis Foundation’s Committee of Scientific Advisors Fracture Working Group has released a new position statement calling for coordinated care between orthopedic surgeons and bone‑health specialists in the management of osteoporosis surrounding joint replacement and spinal fusion procedures. The document emphasizes that patients undergoing these surgeries are at heightened risk for peri‑operative fractures, implant loosening, and delayed recovery, and it recommends systematic bone‑density assessment and the initiation of appropriate osteoporosis therapy both before and after the operative intervention.

The statement outlines a framework for integrating osteoporosis screening, such as dual‑energy X‑ray absorptiometry, into pre‑operative evaluation, and it advises that treatment plans—including pharmacologic agents, nutrition, and lifestyle measures—be aligned with surgical timing to optimize bone quality. By fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, the IOF aims to reduce complication rates, improve long‑term implant survivorship, and enhance overall patient outcomes in orthopedic practice.