Vnitr Lek 2026, 72(5):326-334 | DOI: 10.36290/vnl.2026.061

Low-trauma fracture: a window of opportunity for secondary prevention without delay

Soňa Dubecká, Martin Kužma, Peter Jackuliak, Juraj Payer

Lekárska fakulta Univerzity Komenského a Univerzitná nemocnica Bratislava, Slovenská republika

The modern risk-oriented approach to the diagnosis and treatment of osteoporosis is no longer based solely on the assessment of bone mineral density by DXA, but on a comprehensive evaluation of fracture risk. An important role is played by clinical risk factors, a history of low-trauma fracture, FRAX, TBS, and other tools that allow more precise patient stratification and treatment individualization. A low-trauma fracture represents a window of opportunity for secondary prevention without delay, because after a recent fracture the risk of another fracture is highest in the short-term period. This article summarizes the current approach to the diagnosis of osteoporosis, the practical classification of fracture risk, and the selection of treatment according to risk level. Special attention is paid to the concept of imminent risk and to the importance of early secondary prevention after a low-trauma fracture, including a coordinated approach within an FLS. Early identification and targeted management of a patient after a low-trauma fracture are key prerequisites for reducing the risk of subsequent fractures, loss of independence, and mortality.

Keywords: osteoporosis, low-trauma fracture, imminent risk, secondary prevention, FRAX, FLS.

Accepted: August 20, 2026; Published: August 27, 2026  Show citation