Cooper University Health Care is proud to announce that it has received 2023-2024 Star Performer recognition from the American Orthopaedic Association’s (AOA) Own the Bone® program for the seventh consecutive time. Cooper is one of approximately 280 health care institutions nationwide that have joined Own the Bone and taken initiatives to ensure their osteoporotic fracture patients receive the highest level of treatment and care.
The American Orthopaedic Association’s Own the Bone® program is a national post-fracture, systems-based, multidisciplinary fragility fracture prevention initiative. The program was launched in 2009 to address the emerging epidemic of osteoporosis-related fragility fractures. Own the Bone enables hospitals and practices to help evaluate and treat these patients using a bone health or Fracture Liaison Service (FLS).
“For seven straight years, Cooper has achieved Own the Bone Star Performer recognition which attests to the unwavering commitment and dedication to our patients by our entire team at Cooper Bone and Joint Institute,” said Jack Shilling, MD, MBA, orthopaedic surgeon and Medical Director of the Institute.
More than 10 million people over age 50 in the U.S. are estimated to have osteoporosis. The condition results in diminished bone strength, and fractures are often the first sign that a person has the disease. Unfortunately, less than half of patients receive the recommended osteoporosis care following a fracture. Failing to prevent future fractures can be deadly; nearly 25% of patients who suffer a hip fracture die within a year. The majority who do survive experience a loss of independence and often require long-term nursing home care.
The program is aimed to better identify, evaluate, and treat patients who suffer from an osteoporotic or low bone density-related fracture. The program brings attention to the severe health implications of fragility fractures (broken bones that result from a fall from standing height or less) and the multi-faceted approach hospitals or clinics can incorporate to ensure these patients receive the most comprehensive care.
“As an Own the Bone Star Performer, Cooper has demonstrated a commitment to helping patients understand their risk for ‘fragility’ fractures and the steps they can take to prevent them,” said Dr. Shilling. “These types of fractures can often have devastating effects on patients. We are proud of our work and are grateful that the Own the Bone Program gives us an opportunity to work with at-risk patients on an individualized basis to achieve better outcomes.”
To achieve this designation, Cooper had to achieve a 75% compliance rate with at least five of the 10 Own the Bone prevention measures, based on patients screened and entered into the registry during the preceding 12-month period.
About Cooper Bone and Joint Institute
As South Jersey’s premier academic musculoskeletal center, the Cooper Bone and Joint Institute offers patients the full continuum of care. Our integrated team includes fellowship-trained and board-certified experts in Orthopaedics, Rheumatology, Podiatry, and Rehabilitation. From the prevention and diagnosis of degenerative joint disease or injury to the latest surgical and non-surgical treatments and rehabilitation, patients can expect to receive comprehensive, leading-edge musculoskeletal care in one of our convenient locations.