1
MCQ
Susan Gupta, a 68-year-old retired Indian-Australian accountant, presents for follow-up after a distal radius fracture two weeks ago sustained from a fall from standing height. She was managed with a cast in the emergency department. She has a history of a vertebral compression fracture at T12, found incidentally on chest X-ray three years ago — she was told she had 'thin bones' but was never started on treatment.
Past medical history:
- Rheumatoid arthritis — methotrexate 15 mg weekly, folic acid 5 mg weekly, prednisolone 5 mg daily for 4 years
- Hypertension — ramipril 5 mg daily
- Hypothyroidism — levothyroxine 100 mcg daily
- Chronic kidney disease stage 3a (eGFR 48 mL/min)
- Non-smoker; does not drink alcohol
- BMI 20.8 kg/m²; menopause at age 49
DEXA scan results (arranged after the first fracture; results not previously actioned):
- Lumbar spine T-score: −2.8
- Total hip T-score: −2.1
- Femoral neck T-score: −2.6
Examination: BP 128/74 mmHg, height 158 cm (was 162 cm at age 30 — 4 cm height loss). Thoracic kyphosis noted. No focal tenderness on spinal palpation.
Investigations:
- Calcium: 2.32 mmol/L (2.10–2.60)
- Phosphate: 1.1 mmol/L
- ALP: 95 U/L (30–110)
- Vitamin D: 42 nmol/L ↓ (adequate >50 nmol/L)
- eGFR: 48 mL/min
Which of the following is the most appropriate next step in management?
Select the best answer