Gout Patients Received Fewer Osteoporosis Treatments

A study found gout patients are diagnosed with osteoporosis and treated with bone protection at lower rates.

Updated on Oct. 12, 2026 in Arthritis

Gout Patients Received Fewer Osteoporosis Treatments

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Between 2015 and 2021, researchers found that patients with gout were significantly less likely to receive osteoporosis diagnoses or bone-protective therapies than those with osteoarthritis. These patients also demonstrated higher rates of non-vertebral osteoporotic fractures.

Why it matters

The findings suggest a potential gap in care for gout patients who may be at a higher risk of fractures but are not receiving the same screening or preventative interventions as other arthritis patients.

At baseline, 7.1% of gout patients had an osteoporosis diagnosis compared to 15.4% of osteoarthritis patients. Follow-up data showed only 2% of gout patients used bone protective therapies compared to 4.5% of osteoarthritis patients.

The players

University of Alabama, Birmingham

This institution served as the academic home for the researchers conducting the study.

The details

Researchers linked RISE registry data to Medicare claims for matched patient cohorts between 2015 and 2021. The analysis revealed that despite higher risks for non-vertebral osteoporotic fractures, gout patients were consistently under-treated compared to their counterparts with soft-tissue rheumatism or osteoarthritis.

Researchers analyzed Medicare claims and registry data spanning 2015 to 2021.

Health Landscape

This study utilizes the RISE registry to highlight systemic differences in how various forms of arthritis are managed within the healthcare system. It underscores a shift toward more targeted preventative care for gout patients who face unrecognized skeletal health risks.

Patients diagnosed with gout should discuss their bone health and fracture risk with their physicians to determine if additional screening is necessary. This dialogue can help bridge the gap in preventative care that currently results in lower rates of bone-protective therapy for this group.

The takeaway

Gout patients should be aware of their increased risk for non-vertebral fractures compared to other arthritis groups. Proactively monitoring bone density may be a necessary step to ensure appropriate treatment is received.