Capture the Fracture® in China: Strengthening Partnerships for Better Bone Health
The International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF) continued its engagement in China at the Chinese Society for Osteoporosis and Bone Mineral Research (CSOBMR) Congress 2026, highlighting the critical role of Fracture Liaison Services (FLS) in addressing the growing burden of osteoporosis and fragility fractures across China and the Asia-Pacific region.
As populations age, the number of osteoporotic fractures is expected to rise significantly, placing increasing demands on healthcare systems. Yet FLS coverage remains limited in China, where fewer than 10% of hospitals have an established service. Consequently, many people who experience a fragility fracture are not assessed for underlying osteoporosis or offered appropriate treatment to prevent subsequent fractures.
Building bridges in fracture prevention
During the congress, IOF CEO Dr Philippe Halbout participated in the “Building Bridges in Fracture Prevention” roundtable, alongside Chinese FLS experts. The discussion explored opportunities to strengthen FLS implementation and improve post-fracture osteoporosis management, with a focus on identifying patients at very high risk of subsequent fractures and ensuring effective long-term follow-up.
Chinese experts shared practical experiences in implementing multidisciplinary care pathways, using artificial intelligence (AI) to support patient identification and follow-up, and improving treatment adherence through patient education. The discussion also highlighted opportunities to advance FLS development through professional education and training, improved data collection, and the adaptation of international best practices to the Chinese healthcare setting.
Dr Halbout emphasised the importance of tailoring international FLS experience to local healthcare systems and strengthening collaboration between hospitals and community healthcare providers. These partnerships are essential to ensuring continuity of care and supporting patients throughout their long-term osteoporosis management journey.
IOF would like to thank the CSOBMR Governance and Amgen China team for their invitation and the numerous opportunities it provided to exchange insights and connect with Chinese experts.
Strengthening partnerships locally
As part of IOF’s ongoing engagement in China, Dr Halbout also visited FLS, recognised on the Capture the Fracture® Map of Best Practice, at Changshu No. 2 People's Hospital and the Jiangsu Province Geriatric Hospital in Nanjing. The visits provided an opportunity to learn from local FLS teams and highlight the impact of coordinated, multidisciplinary care in preventing subsequent fractures.
Dr Halbout also met with key opinion leaders and public health officials to discuss how FLS can improve patient outcomes and strengthen fracture prevention strategies. IOF extends its sincere thanks to iCare QCT for organising the visit, and to the teams at both hospitals for their warm hospitality and for sharing their valuable experiences.
Expanding access to coordinated fracture care
Through its Capture the Fracture® programme, which has been active in China since 2013, IOF continues to support healthcare professionals and institutions in establishing and improving FLS. By systematically identifying patients who have sustained fragility fractures, facilitating osteoporosis assessment and treatment, and coordinating follow-up care, FLS can help close the post-fracture treatment gap and reduce the risk of future fractures.
The discussions at CSOBMR 2026 reinforced the importance of sustained collaboration among international organisations, clinicians, hospitals, community healthcare providers and public health authorities. By building on local expertise and sharing best practices, China has opportunities to expand FLS coverage and ensure that more people living with osteoporosis receive the care they need.
References
The APCO-IOF Asia Pacific Regional Audit: Epidemiology, Costs and Burden of Osteoporosis in 2025, International Osteoporosis Foundation (2025)
https://www.osteoporosis.foundation/asia-pacific-audit-2025