50 consecutive patients (males > 65yr, females > 50 yr) with a fragility fracture of the distal part of the radius were randomized to have the bone mineral density (BMD) measurement within 6 months of injury by the orthopaedic surgeon and a follow up with primary care physician or to a referral to primary care for both the scan and the treatment. At 6 months, it was observed that the compliance of getting the BMD scan and primary care consultation and osteoporosis therapy initiation was higher when the attending orthopaedic surgeon initiated the BMD test and forwarded the results to the primary care physician.