BAPAS at the Global Fragility Fracture Network Conference 2026

It was an honour for us to represent both the OTS and BAPAS at the meeting in Toronto.

This was a fantastic opportunity to highlight the work that is being done in the UK in relation to fragility fractures affecting the pelvis and acetabulum. The meeting offered opportunities for networking with surgeons, orthogeriatric specialists and allied health professionals who were all highly motivated to improve the care of patients suffering from fragility fractures.

Fragility fractures of the hip have been highlighted for several years with the UK’s NHFD remaining a world leader in improving hip fracture care. The changes in data collection implemented for other fragility fractures such as the pelvis and acetabulum was discussed. The issues that we have in the UK in standardisation of care for fragility fractures of the pelvis are shared with most other nations and delegates were keen to hear how we are currently trying to tackle this.

The FFN are dedicated in improving education and standardisation to improve patients care and recognise the importance of teamwork and multidisciplinary development to facilitate this.

Interesting talks regarding implementation of AI into fracture identification, bone density assessments and the potential benefits of early recognition and alerting FLS. 

Other potential benefits are that AI can estimate bone mineral density from plain radiographs or CT to further recognise or consider need for osteoporosis management. 

The multidisciplinary nature of the meeting was useful at highlighting ongoing problems that have been recognised in Canada with a disconnect between the ward medical and allied health staff and surgical staff. Many of the issues are seen in the NHS too.

Specific difficulties highlighted were nutrition and nil by mouth orders with many patients missing meals regularly and the impact of this on the patient. Lack of clarity and variation between hospitals was noted. 

Similar issues are noted around weight bearing and variation in surgical practices with many elderly patients continuing to be kept non-weight bearing following surgery and subsequently having minimal benefit from the surgical procedure performed as they remain bed or chair bound increasing sarcopenia.

We look forward to growing the relationship between OTS, BAPAS and FFN and sharing our experiences with our common goal in improving patient care.