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Byline: Marilyn W. Cree (1), Angela G. Juby (2), Keumhee C. Carriere (1,3) Keywords: Elderly; Hip fracture; Morbidity; Mortality; Osteoporosis; Treatment Abstract: This study examined post-fracture osteoporosis drug treatment in hip fracture patients and the association of treatment with mortality and morbidity. Pre- and post-fracture demographic/health information was collected on a cohort of hip fracture patients aged 65+ years. Post-fracture administrative data on prescription drug use and health care utilization was linked to the cohort data. Five classes of osteoporosis drugs were available during the study period: hormone replacement therapy (HRT), bisphosphonates (BSP), calcitonin, selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) and vitamin D.sub.3 (Rocaltrol). Pre-fracture, 38 of 449 patients (8%) were on osteoporosis medications. Post-fracture, 81 of 356 patients (23%) were treated 63 of these patients were untreated prior to fracture. Both treated and untreated patients had similar rates of subsequent hip fracture (6% and 4%, respectively) and Colles fracture (2%). Regardless of treatment status, patients were also equally likely to be hospitalized, both in the short-term (28% in treated, 27% in untreated) and in the long-term (43% versus 37%). However, mortality was significantly lower in the treated group. The lower mortality in the treated group, combined with the knowledge that antiresorptive drugs reduce fractures and increase bone density, merit undertaking a randomized trial to confirm our findings that antiresorptive therapy should be considered in all patients post-hip fracture. Author Affiliation: (1) Department of Mathematical and Statistical Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada (2) Division of Geriatrics, Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada (3) 632 Central Academic Building, Department of Mathematical and Statistical Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 2G1, Canada Article History: Received Date: 07/06/2002 Accepted Date: 16/03/2003 Online Date: 07/08/2003