University Hospital Muenster

Beginning in 2017 we implemented a Fracture Liaison Service (FLS) at the University Hospital of Münster (UKM), creating an osteoporosis network with private practitioners in the greater area of Münster and the Münsterland, serving a population of about 1,6 million people. 

A dedicated FLS-team in the Department of Regenerative Musculoskeletal Medicine works in close collaboration with the Department of Trauma, Hand and Reconstructive Surgery at the University Hospital Münster to identify patients with fragility fractures and an apparent or latent osteoporosis. Patients with minimal trauma fractures are identified, followed by standardized questionnaires, physical exam, laboratory tests and possibly DXA, initiation of vitamin D supplementation, and definition of the acute peri-operative treatment plan. 

We either start treatment in house or get in contact with the patients’ private practitioner to recommend medical treatment. In diagnostics and treatment we abide by the algorithms according to the DVO-Guidelines. We then instigate a follow-up appointment in our out-patient clinic or refer to one of our partners in our osteoporosis network. In our outpatient clinic we treat patients with osteoporosis and regularly reevaluate the success of treatment and, if necessary, adjust the treatment accordingly.  

Additionally we diagnose and treat patients with other specific osteological problems, such as failed osteoporosis therapy, atypical femoral fractures or non-unions.

Besides clinical care we take part in several studies regarding frailty and musculoskeletal health as well as provide opportunities for translational musculoskeletal research. 

We are constantly working on extending our osteoporosis network by reaching out to other doctors and hospitals to recruit them to participate in our network.