Contact details

0118 322 5111 Ext: 3542

Email: rbft.fls@nhs.net

Address

Level 2, North Block
Royal Berkshire Hospital
Craven Road
Reading
Berkshire RG1 5AN

Patient information leaflets

Fracture Liaison Service

The Fracture Liaison Service works to proactively identify patients who have sustained a lower impact fracture who may be at increased risk of further fractures in the future.

The service is available for patients over the age of 50 who have sustained a fracture (excluding the fingers, toes and skull) where the circumstances of the injury mean that you may not normally expect a broken bone. As reduction in bone strength (known as osteoporosis) has no symptoms other than breaking a bone, all patients sustaining these fractures will be recommended this screening as a precaution.

These patients can be referred for blood tests to screen for many conditions that can have an impact on bone health. Some patients will also be referred for a bone density (DEXA) scan to look for signs of Osteoporosis.

Following a diagnosis of Osteoporosis or Osteopenia, the team will work with patients to create a personalised treatment plan including lifestyle changes and, in some cases, a medication plan. The team can also refer patients for assistance in reducing the likelihood of further falls or regaining confidence following a fracture.

The overall aim of the service is to identify reduced bone density younger in life in order to prevent neck of femur (hip) or spine fractures related to this condition as patients mature.

Information about further investigations following a recent fracture
Patient referrals

Patients are often identified and contacted by the Fracture Liaison Service following a visit to the fracture clinic, our emergency departments, minor injuries units, and wards. However patients can also be referred by their GP, community services and clinical teams. We also do accept patient self-referrals.

The Fracture Liaison Service accepts patients over the age of 50 who have sustained a fall from the equivalent height of three standard steps or below. This includes a fall while walking, tripping up a curb, or falling down 2 to 3 steps. We routinely exclude injuries caused while playing sport, a fall off of a bicycle, or running.

Fracture sites of concern include the neck of femur, vertebra, humerus, radius, ulna, femur, clavicle, tibia and fibula. We do not include fractures of the skull, phalanx, patella, scapula, carpal or tarsal bones. All other fracture sites are considered on a case-by-case basis.

Patient referrals

We do accept patient self-referrals. You can make a self-referral by:

Please note: when making a referral, please include fracture site, mechanism of injury, and any relevant past medical history.

Resources for patients

The Royal Osteoporosis Society (ROS)

The Royal Osteoporosis Society (ROS) has resources on its website for patients who are undergoing tests for or have been diagnosed with Osteoporosis or Osteopenia. This includes information on lifestyle and diet in managing bone health as well as important treatment options. 

They also have a free phone line staffed by specialist nurses.

Email: nurses@theros.org.uk
Tel: 0808 800 0035

BONE MED

BONE MED is a service provided by the Royal Osteoporosis Society for patients who have commenced a form of fracture prevention treatment. Patients are asked to complete a short survey including details of their current treatment plan. They will then receive a tailored medicine summary including information and videos about their medicine. The service will send emails with practical tips and infromation and how to look after your bones.

Patient Information Leaflets

Leaflets for fracture prevention treatments can be found on our website.