Ten-year risk of second hip fracture. A NOREPOS study

BackgroundSecond hip fracture risk is elevated after the first, however whether risk differs with age, by sex or over time is not well known.ObjectiveTo examine the risk of second hip fracture by sex, age and time after first hip fracture.DesignData on all hip fractures in subjects 50 years and older and treated in Norwegian hospitals during 1999–2008 were retrieved. Surgical procedure codes and additional diagnosis codes were used to define incident fractures. Survival analyses with and without adjustment for competing risk of death were used to estimate the risk of second hip fracture.ResultsAmong the 81,867 persons who sustained a first hip fracture, 6161 women and 1782 men suffered a second hip fracture during follow-up. The overall age-adjusted hazard ratio (HR) of a second hip fracture did not differ between the sexes (women versus men, HR = 1.03; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.98–1.09). Taking competing risk of death into account, the corresponding age-adjusted HR of a second hip fracture was 1.40 (95% CI: 1.33–1.47) in women compared to men. The greater risk in women was due to a higher mortality in men. Based on competing risk analyses, we estimate that 15% of women and 11% of men will have suffered a second hip fracture within 10 years after the first hip fracture. The ten-year cumulative incidence was above 10% in all age-groups, except in men 90 years and older.ConclusionFracture preventive strategies have a large potential in both women and men who suffer their first hip fracture due to the high risk of another hip fracture.     

Comparison between frailty index of deficit accumulation and fracture risk assessment tool (FRAX) in prediction of risk of fractures

A frailty index (FI) of deficit accumulation could quantify and predict the risk of fractures based on the degree of frailty in the elderly. We aimed to compare the predictive powers between the FI and the fracture risk assessment tool (FRAX) in predicting risk of major osteoporotic fracture (hip, upper arm or shoulder, spine, or wrist) and hip fracture, using the data from the Global Longitudinal Study of Osteoporosis in Women (GLOW) 3-year Hamilton cohort. There were 3985 women included in the study, with the mean age of 69.4 years (standard deviation [SD] = 8.89). During the follow-up, there were 149 (3.98%) incident major osteoporotic fractures and 18 (0.48%) hip fractures reported. The FRAX and FI were significantly related to each other. Both FRAX and FI significantly predicted risk of major osteoporotic fracture, with a hazard ratio (HR) of 1.03 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.02–1.05) and 1.02 (95% CI: 1.01–1.04) for per-0.01 increment for the FRAX and FI respectively. The HRs were 1.37 (95% CI: 1.19–1.58) and 1.26 (95% CI: 1.12–1.42) for an increase of per-0.10 (approximately one SD) in the FRAX and FI respectively. Similar discriminative ability of the models was found: c-index = 0.62 for the FRAX and c-index = 0.61 for the FI. When cut-points were chosen to trichotomize participants into low-risk, medium-risk and high-risk groups, a significant increase in fracture risk was found in the high-risk group (HR = 2.04, 95% CI: 1.36–3.07) but not in the medium-risk group (HR = 1.23, 95% CI: 0.82–1.84) compared with the low-risk women for the FI, while for FRAX the medium-risk (HR = 2.00, 95% CI: 1.09–3.68) and high-risk groups (HR = 2.61, 95% CI: 1.48–4.58) predicted risk of major osteoporotic fracture significantly only when survival time exceeded 18 months (550 days). Similar findings were observed for hip fracture and in sensitivity analyses. In conclusion, the FI is comparable with FRAX in the prediction of risk of future fractures, indicating that measures of frailty status may aid in fracture risk assessment and fracture prevention in the elderly. Further evidence from randomized controlled trials of osteoporosis medication interventions is needed to support the FI and FRAX as validated measures of fracture risk.     

Association between benzodiazepines use and risk of hip fracture in the elderly people: A meta-analysis of observational studies

ObjectiveHip fracture is one of the leading causes of disability, cost, morbidity, and mortality. Several studies reported that benzodiazepines (BDZs) have been associated with an increased risk of hip fracture in older individuals. The aim of this study was to evaluate the magnitude of hip fracture risk with BDZs.MethodsA systematic literature search on EMBASE, PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus was performed between January 1, 1980, and March 31, 2019. The search strategy was based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) reporting guideline, and an observational study design was mandatory for articles inclusion. Data were extracted by two authors independently and a random effect model was used to evaluate effect size. The random-effects model (DerSimonian-Laird) was utilized to obtain the overall risk ratio (RR) and its 95% CI for all studies. The Newcastle Ottawa Scale (NOS) was also used to assess the quality of each study.ResultsOf 2315 studies screened, 33 (20 cohorts and 13 case-control) with 169,660 hip fracture cases were included in our analysis. In BDZs users, compared with non-users, the RR for hip fracture was 1.34 (95%CI: 1.26–1.44). The RR for long- and short-short acting BDZs and hip fracture risk were 1.31 (95%CI: 1.18–1.45, P < 0.0001), and 1.15 (95%CI: 1.08–1.22, P < 0.0001), respectively. When stratified by type of users, the current and recent users of BDZs had higher risk of hip fracture (RR: 1.83, 95% CI: 1.46–2.28, P < 0.0001 and RR: 1.61, 95% 1.30–1.99, P < 0.0001) whereas there was no increased risk of hip fracture in past BDZs users (RR: 1.18, 95%CI: 1.07–1.29, P < 0.0001).ConclusionOur meta-analysis showed an increased risk of hip fracture in patients with BDZs compared with non-users. Physicians should be aware of the unwanted consequence of BDZs when they will prescribe BDZs for their patients, especially elderly patients because hip fractures are highly prevalent in the elderly population.     

Population data on calcium in drinking water and hip fracture: An association may depend on other minerals in water. A NOREPOS study

BackgroundThe Norwegian population has among the highest hip fracture rates in the world. The incidence varies geographically, also within Norway. Calcium in drinking water has been found to be beneficially associated with bone health in some studies, but not in all. In most previous studies, other minerals in water have not been taken into account. Trace minerals, for which drinking water can be an important source and even fulfill the daily nutritional requirement, could act as effect-modifiers in the association between calcium and hip fracture risk. The aim of the present study was to investigate the association between calcium in drinking water and hip fracture, and whether other water minerals modified this association.Materials and methodsA survey of trace metals in 429 waterworks, supplying 64% of the population in Norway, was linked geographically to the home addresses of patients with incident hip fractures (1994–2000). Drinking water mineral concentrations were divided into “low” (below and equal waterworks average) and “high” (above waterworks average). Poisson regression models were fitted, and all incidence rate ratios (IRRs) were adjusted for age, geographic region, urbanization degree, type of water source, and pH of the water. Effect modifications were examined by stratification, and interactions between calcium and magnesium, copper, zinc, iron and manganese were tested both on the multiplicative and the additive scale. Analyses were stratified on gender.ResultsAmong those supplied from the 429 waterworks (2,110,916 person-years in men and 2,397,217 person-years in women), 5433 men and 13,493 women aged 50–85 years suffered a hip fracture during 1994–2000. Compared to low calcium in drinking water, a high level was associated with a 15% lower hip fracture risk in men (IRR = 0.85, 95% CI: 0.78, 0.91) but no significant difference was found in women (IRR = 0.98, 95%CI: 0.93–1.02). There was interaction between calcium and copper on hip fracture risk in men (p = 0.051); the association between calcium and hip fracture risk was stronger when the copper concentration in water was high (IRR = 0.52, 95% CI: 0.35, 0.78) as opposed to when it was low (IRR = 0.88, 95% CI: 0.81, 0.94). This pattern persisted also after including potential confounding factors and other minerals in the model. No similar variation in risk was found in women.ConclusionIn this large, prospective population study covering two thirds of the Norwegian population and comprising 19,000 hip fractures, we found an inverse association between calcium in drinking water and hip fracture risk in men. The association was stronger when the copper concentration in the water was high.     

Abdominal aortic calcification and risk of fracture among older women — The SOF study

Data concerning the link between severity of abdominal aortic calcification (AAC) and fracture risk in postmenopausal women are discordant. This association may vary by skeletal site and duration of follow-up. Our aim was to assess the association between the AAC severity and fracture risk in older women over the short- and long term. This is a case–cohort study nested in a large multicenter prospective cohort study. The association between AAC and fracture was assessed using Odds Ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95%CI) for vertebral fractures and using Hazard Risks (HR) and 95%CI for non-vertebral and hip fractures. AAC severity was evaluated from lateral spine radiographs using Kauppila's semiquantitative score. Severe AAC (AAC score 5 +) was associated with higher risk of vertebral fracture during 4 years of follow-up, after adjustment for confounders (age, BMI, walking, smoking, hip bone mineral density, prevalent vertebral fracture, systolic blood pressure, hormone replacement therapy) (OR = 2.31, 95%CI: 1.24–4.30, p < 0.01). In a similar model, severe AAC was associated with an increase in the hip fracture risk (HR = 2.88, 95%CI: 1.00–8.36, p = 0.05). AAC was not associated with the risk of any non-vertebral fracture. AAC was not associated with the fracture risk after 15 years of follow-up. In elderly women, severe AAC is associated with higher short-term risk of vertebral and hip fractures, but not with the long-term risk of these fractures. There is no association between AAC and risk of non-vertebral-non-hip fracture in older women. Our findings lend further support to the hypothesis that AAC and skeletal fragility are related.     

Increased hip fracture and mortality in chronic kidney disease individuals: The importance of competing risks

BackgroundMany studies have shown a correlation between chronic kidney disease (CKD) and fracture. However, increased mortality in CKD patients is a competing risk scenario not accounted for in previous studies. Our aim was to investigate the true impact of CKD on hip fracture after accounting for a competing risk with death.MethodsWe conducted a population-based cohort study to determine the impact of CKD on hip fractures in individuals aged ≥ 50 years old registered in the SIDIAP^Q database (representative of 1.9 million people in Catalonia, Spain). Cox regression was used to estimate hazard ratio (HR) for death and hip fracture according to CKD status. A competing risk (Fine and Gray) model was fitted to estimate sub-HR for hip fracture in CKD or CKD-free patients accounting for differential mortality.ResultsA total of 873,073 (32,934 (3.8%) CKD) patients were observed for 3 years. During follow-up, 4,823 (14.6%) CKD and 36,328 (4.3%) CKD-free participants died (HR, 1.83 [95% CI, 1.78–1.89]), whilst 522 (1.59%) and 6,292 (0.75%) sustained hip fractures, respectively. Adjusted Cox models showed a significantly increased risk of hip fractures for the CKD group (HR, 1.16 [1.06–1.27]), but this association was attenuated in competing risk models accounting for mortality (SHR, 1.14 [1.03–1.27]).ConclusionsBoth death and hip fracture rates are increased (by 83% and 16%, respectively) in CKD patients. However, the association between CKD and hip fractures is attenuated when an excess of mortality is taken into account. A competing risk with death must be considered in future analyses of association between CKD and any health outcomes.     

Ten-year incident osteoporosis-related fractures in the population-based Canadian Multicentre Osteoporosis Study — Comparing site and age-specific risks in women and men

BackgroundPopulation-based incident fracture data aid fracture prevention and therapy decisions. Our purpose was to describe 10-year site-specific cumulative fracture incidence by sex, age at baseline, and degree of trauma with/without consideration of competing mortality in the Canadian Multicentre Osteoporosis Study adult cohort.MethodsIncident fractures and mortality were identified by annual postal questionnaires to the participant or proxy respondent. Date, site and circumstance of fracture were gathered from structured interviews and medical records. Fracture analyses were stratified by sex and age at baseline and used both Kaplan–Meier and competing mortality methods.ResultsThe baseline (1995–97) cohort included 6314 women and 2789 men (aged 25–84 years; mean ± SD 62 ± 12 and 59 ± 14, respectively), with 4322 (68%) women and 1732 (62%) men followed to year-10. At least one incident fracture occurred for 930 women (14%) and 247 men (9%). Competing mortality exceeded fracture risk for men aged 65 + years at baseline. Age was a strong predictor of incident fractures especially fragility fractures, with higher age gradients for women vs. men. Major osteoporotic fracture (MOF) (hip, clinical spine, forearm, humerus) accounted for 41–74% of fracture risk by sex/age strata; in women all MOF sites showed age-related increases but in men only hip was clearly age-related. The most common fractures were the forearm for women and the ribs for men. Hip fracture incidence was the highest for the 75–84 year baseline age-group with no significant difference between women 7.0% (95% CI 5.3, 8.9) and men 7.0% (95% CI 4.4, 10.3).InterpretationThere are sex differences in the predominant sites and age-gradients of fracture. In older men, competing mortality exceeds cumulative fracture risk.     

Decreased glomerular filtration rate estimated by 2009 CKD-EPI equation predicts mortality in older hip fracture population

ObjectiveWe examined estimated glomerular filtration rate using the Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology equation (eGFR_CDK-EPI), removal of urinary catheter during hospitalization and polypharmacy as predictors of mortality in older hip fracture patients.MethodsPopulation-based prospective data were collected on 1425 consecutive hip fracture patients aged ≥65 years. Outcome was mortality at one year. Independent variables were age, sex, body mass index, fracture type, American Society of Anesthesiology score, delay to surgery, urinary catheter removal during acute hospitalization, eGFR_CDK-EPI, number of daily medications, diagnosis of memory disorder, prefracture mobility and living arrangements.ResultsOf the 1425 patients, 567 (40%) had renal dysfunction on admission, 526 (37%) had their urinary catheters removed during hospitalization and 1177 (83%) were taking ≥4 medications regularly before the fracture. In the multivariate analyses with the Cox proportional hazards model adjusted simultaneously for all the independent variables, eGFR_CDK-EPI 30–44 ml/min/1.73 m² (HR 1.91, 95% CI 1.44–2.52) and <30 ml/min/1.73 m² (HR 1.95, 95% CI 1.36–2.78), non-removal of the urinary catheter (HR 1.45, 95% CI 1.12–1.88) and large number of daily medications (4–10 HR 1.81, 95% CI 1.78–2.79, >10 HR 2.21, 95% CI 1.38–3.54) were associated with mortality.ConclusionsIn older hip fracture patients, moderate to severe level renal dysfunction measured by eGFR_CDK-EPI, non-removal of urinary catheter before discharge and polypharmacy increase mortality after hip fracture. Careful assessment of renal function and medications and following the care protocols on urinary catheter removal are essential in the care of geriatric hip fracture patients.     

Validation of the FRAX Predictive Model for Major Osteoporotic Fracture in a Historical Cohort of Spanish Women

FRAX is a fracture risk assessment tool to estimate the 10-yr probability of a major osteoporotic fracture or a hip fracture. The aim of the study was to assess the predictive ability of FRAX for major osteoporotic fracture in a cohort of Spanish women.The study was based on a retrospective cohort of women aged 40–90 yr. Patients were followed from their first bone densitometry to the first major osteoporotic fracture event (forearm, proximal humerus, clinical spine, or hip fracture) or for 10 yr whichever comes first. A total of 1231 women were included. Bone mineral density data and self-reported data on risk factors for fracture were obtained. The predictive ability of FRAX was assessed by analyzing calibration and discrimination, with the calculation of observed-to-expected (O/E) fracture ratios and the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, respectively.A total of 222 women (18.1%) reported at least 1 fracture after the first assessment. The incidence of fracture was 14 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 10–17), 19 (95% CI: 15–23), 28 (95% CI: 21–36), and 67 (95% CI: 8–125) cases per 1000 woman-years in women aged <55, 55–64, 65–74, and ≥75 yr, respectively. The O/E ratio was 3.9 (95% CI: 3.4–4.5; p < 0.0001). The area under the ROC curve was 61% (95% CI: 57–65%).FRAX underestimated the risk of major osteoporotic fracture in this cohort of Spanish women, particularly in those with a low risk of fracture according to the clinical factors used in the FRAX tool. Our findings highlight the need for validation studies of FRAX in Spain.     

Osteoporotic hip fractures: Bisphosphonates sales and observed turning point in trend. A population-based retrospective study

The aim is to examine the temporal trends of hip fracture incidence in Portugal by sex and age groups, and explore the relation with anti-osteoporotic medication.From the National Hospital Discharge Database, we selected from 1st January 2000 to 31st December 2008, 77,083 hospital admissions (77.4% women) caused by osteoporotic hip fractures (low energy, patients over 49 years-age), with diagnosis codes 820.x of ICD 9-CM. The 2001 Portuguese population was used as standard to calculate direct age-standardized incidence rates (ASIR) (100,000 inhabitants). Generalized additive and linear models were used to evaluate and quantify temporal trends of age specific rates (AR), by sex.We identified 2003 as a turning point in the trend of ASIR of hip fractures in women. After 2003, the ASIR in women decreased on average by 10.3 cases/100,000 inhabitants, 95% CI (− 15.7 to − 4.8), per 100,000 anti-osteoporotic medication packages sold. For women aged 65–69 and 75–79 we identified the same turning point. However, for women aged over 80, the year 2004 marked a change in the trend, from an increase to a decrease. Among the population aged 70–74 a linear decrease of incidence rate (95% CI) was observed in both sexes, higher for women: − 28.0% (− 36.2 to − 19.5) change vs − 18.8%, (− 32.6 to − 2.3).The abrupt turning point in the trend of ASIR of hip fractures in women is compatible with an intervention, such as a medication. The trends were different according to gender and age group, but compatible with the pattern of bisphosphonates sales.     

Risk of second hip fracture persists for years after initial trauma

BackgroundSecondary prevention often targets women who suffer from higher rates of second hip fracture than men, especially in the early years after first fracture. Yet, the occurrence of second hip fracture by certain times also depends on the death rate, which is higher in men than women. We compared the risk of sustaining second hip fracture by a certain time between women and men remaining alive at that time.MethodsWe retrieved 38,383 hospitalization records of patients aged 60 years or older, who were discharged alive after admission for hip fracture surgery between 1990 and 2005 in British Columbia, Canada. The outcome variable was the time to a subsequent hip fracture.ResultsDuring ten years of follow-up, 2,902 (8%) patients sustained a second hip fracture, and 21,428 (56%) died before sustaining a second hip fracture. The risk of second hip fracture in the surviving post-fracture patients was higher in women than in men: 2% vs 2%, 5% vs 4%, 9% vs 7%, 15% vs 13%, and 35% vs 30% at 1, 2, 3, 5, and 10 years after initial trauma, respectively, crude OR = 1.25 (95% CI: 1.13–1.39). However, the risk did not differ between women and men after adjustment, OR = 1.09 (95% CI: 0.98–1.21).ConclusionsThe risk of second hip fracture persists for at least ten years among hip fracture survivors, and therefore secondary prevention should continue beyond an early post-fracture period. Women and men have similar risks of second hip fracture and both should be considered for secondary prevention.     

Vertebral fracture risk factors in postmenopausal women over 50 in Valencia,Spain. A population-based cross-sectional study

PurposeThis study aims to estimate the prevalence of risk factors for osteoporotic vertebral fracture and analyze the possible associations between these factors and the presence of densitometric osteoporosis and prevalent morphometric vertebral fracture.MethodsData from a population-based cross-sectional sample of 804 postmenopausal women over the age of 50 years old living in the city of Valencia (Spain) were used. The women were interviewed to identify the prevalence of osteoporotic fracture risk factors and underwent a densitometry and a dorsolumbar spine X-ray.ResultsThe most prevalent risk factors were densitometric osteoporosis (31.7%), history of parental hip fracture (19.4%), hypoestrogenism (19%), and body mass index (BMI) ≥ 30 kg/m² (35.2%). After adjusting for all covariables, densitometric osteoporosis was associated with increased age [odds ratio (OR)_{65–69 years}: 2.84, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.75–4.61; OR_{70–74 years}: 4.01, 95% CI: 2.47–6.52; OR_75 + years: 5.96, 95% CI: 3.27–10.87] and inversely associated with high BMI (OR_25.0–29.9: 0.51, 95% CI: 0.34–0.76; OR_≥ 30: 0.30, 95% CI: 0.19–0.46). Morphometric vertebral fracture was associated with age (OR_{65–69 years}: 2.04, 95% CI: 1.03–4.05; OR_{70–74 years}: 4.05, 95% CI: 2.11–7.77; OR_75 + years: 8.43, 95% CI: 3.97–17.93), poor educational level (OR: 1.70, 95% CI: 1.06–2.72) and with densitometric osteoporosis and BMI ≥ 30 kg/m² (OR: 3.35, 95% CI: 1.85–6.07).ConclusionsThe most prevalent osteoporotic fracture risk factors were having a high BMI and the presence of densitometric osteoporosis. A higher risk of morphometric vertebral fracture in women with both low bone mineral density and high BMI was found. This association, if confirmed, has important implications for clinical practice and fracture risk tools. We also found a higher risk in women with a poor educational level. More attention should be addressed to these populations in order to control modifiable risk factors.     

Use of proton pump inhibitors and risk of fragility hip fracture in a Mediterranean region

ObjectiveTo determine whether there is an increased risk of hip fracture associated with the use of proton pump inhibitors in a Mediterranean area after adjusting for other potential risk factors.MethodsRetrospective multicenter case–control study carried out in 6 primary health care centers in Catalonia, Spain. Cases were patients aged 50 years and over with a fragility hip fracture registered between January 2007 and December 2010, matched with 2 controls by sex and age. Data collected: use of proton pump inhibitors (type, dosage) in the 5 years previous to the hip fracture, socio-demographic data, body mass index, alcohol and tobacco consumption as well as health conditions and drugs associated with an increase risk of fragility hip fracture.Results358 cases were matched with 698 controls. The mean age was 82 years old in both groups. Women represented 77.1% in the case group and 76.9% in the control group. Crude association between proton pump inhibitors and hip fracture was 1.44 (95% CI, 1.09–1.89) and adjusted OR was 1.24 (95% CI, 0.93–1.65). No association was found with the continuous or discontinuous use of proton pump inhibitors, OR 1.17 (95% CI, 0.77–1.79), and OR of 1.16 (95% CI, 0.85–1.60) respectively. No association was found when restricting the analysis by sex, OR of 1.19 (95% CI, 0.27–5.14) or by age, younger or older than 80 years, OR of 0.72 (95% CI, 0.24–2.15).ConclusionThe use of proton pump inhibitors was not associated with an increased risk of hip fracture after adjusting for other risk factors in a Mediterranean area. This result suggests the existence of protective environmental factors linked to this southern area of Europe that eventually could compensate for the potential harm produced by proton pump inhibitors.     

Increasing Incidence of Hip Fracture in Chiang Mai,Thailand

Hip fracture is a major health problem in Thailand. This study attempted to examine the incidence, related factors, and trends of hip fracture in Chiang Mai, Thailand. All hip fracture data among patients aged 50 yr or older were collected from hospitals in Chiang Mai, Thailand from August 1, 2006 to July 3, 2007. Data from the 1997 Chiang Mai hip fracture study were used for comparison. In the study period, 690 hip fractures were reported: 203 males and 487 females (male to female ratio was 1 to 2.4), with a mean age of 76.7 yr. The estimated cumulative incidence was 181.0 per 100,000, and the adjusted incidence was 253.3 (males: 135.9; females: 367.9). A simple fall was the most common mechanism (79%) of fracture, and 80% of the hip fractures occurred in patients aged 70 yr or older. The highest incidence of hip fracture was observed in patients older than 85 yr (1239). At 6 mo postfracture, most patients (61%) used a walking aid. Compared with the 1997 data, hip fracture incidence had increased by an average of 2% per yr, and the incidence of hip fracture had increased significantly from August 1, 2006 to July 31, 2007, especially in patients older than 75 yr. In patients older than 84 yr, the incidence increased by a factor of 2. Urgent strategies for the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis, and hence hip fracture, are needed.     

Direct healthcare costs of hip,vertebral, and non-hip,non-vertebral fractures

Limited data exist regarding the cost of non-hip, non-vertebral (NHNV) fractures. Although NHNV fractures may be less expensive than hip and vertebral fractures, they have a higher incidence rate. The objective of this study was to quantify first-year healthcare costs of hip, vertebral, and NHNV fractures. This was a claims-based retrospective analysis using a case-control design among patients with commercial insurance and Medicare employer-based supplemental coverage. Patients were ≥ 50 years old with a closed hip, vertebral, or NHNV fracture between 7/1/2001 and 12/31/2004, and continuous enrollment 6 months prior to and 12 months after the index fracture. Adjusted mean first-year healthcare costs associated with these fractures were determined. Six cohorts were identified. Patients 50–64 years: NHNV (n = 27,424), vertebral (n = 3386) and hip (n = 2423); patients ≥ 65 years: NHNV (n = 40,960), vertebral (n = 11,751) and hip (n = 21,504). The ratio of NHNV to hip fractures was 11:1 in the 50–64 cohort and 2:1 in the ≥ 65 cohort. Adjusted mean first-year costs associated with hip, vertebral, and NHNV fractures were $26,545, $14,977, and $9183 for the 50–64 age cohort, and $15,196, $6701, and $6106 for patients ≥ 65 years. After taking prevalence rate into account, the proportion of the total fracture costs accounted for by NHNV, hip, and vertebral fractures were 66%, 21% and 13% for the 50–64 age cohort, and 36%, 52% and 12% for the ≥ 65 age cohort. Limitations included the exclusion of the uninsured and those covered by Medicaid or military-based insurance programs. The results of this study demonstrate that osteoporotic fractures are associated with significant costs. Although NHNV fractures have a lower per-patient cost than hip or vertebral fractures, their total first-year cost is greater for those 50–64 because of their higher prevalence.     

Three-Year Prospective Study on Fracture Risk in Postmenopausal Women by Quantitative Ultrasound at the Phalanges

The purpose of this study was the calculation of fracture risk in a prospective study on postmenopausal women by quantitative ultrasound (QUS) at the phalanges. A total of 2341 postmenopausal women were recruited in 5 centers in Italy during 2006 and 2007 for QUS measurement during a screening program for osteoporosis. Two ultrasound parameters were collected: amplitude-dependent speed of sound (AD-SoS) and ultrasound bone profile index (UBPI). Women were then recontacted in 2010 and were asked about fracture occurrence during the period since previous QUS measurement. Data about new fracture occurred in this period, site and cause of fracture were requested. Two thousand two hundred eleven women were successfully recontacted. Mean age of the recruited women was 60.9 ± 10.0 yr, mean age at menopause was 49.3 ± 4.4 yr, mean body mass index (BMI) was 26.5 ± 4.6 kg/m². A total number of 108 new major osteoporotic fractures occurred during the 3-yr period, of which 23 are hip fractures, 51 are vertebral fractures. Relative risk (RR) per standard deviation (SD) decrease for major fractures was 1.77 (confidence interval [CI]: 1.59–1.97) for AD-SoS and 2.06 (CI: 1.78–2.37) for UBPI. When corrected for age, BMI, age at menopause, the RRs are still significant and equal to 1.44 (CI: 1.26–1.65) for AD-SoS and 1.67 (CI: 1.39–2.00) for UBPI. RR for vertebral fractures was 1.63 (CI: 1.41–1.88) for AD-SoS and 1.73 (CI: 1.44–2.08) for UBPI. RR for hip fractures was 1.92 (CI: 1.55–2.37) for AD-SoS and 2.68 (CI: 1.86–3.86) for UBPI. Ultrasound parameters AD-SoS and UBPI are able to significantly predict future major fractures in a prospective cohort of more than 2000 postmenopausal women.     

The associations of 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels,vitamin D binding protein gene polymorphisms,and race with risk of incident fracture-related hospitalization: Twenty-year follow-up in a bi-ethnic cohort (the ARIC Study)

BackgroundDeficient levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] have been associated with increased fracture risk. Racial differences in fracture risk may be related to differences in bioavailable vitamin D due to single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) variations in the vitamin D binding protein (DBP).MethodsWe measured 25(OH)D levels in 12,781 middle-aged White and Black participants [mean age 57 years (SD 5.7), 25% Black] in the ARIC Study who attended the second examination from 1990–1992. Participants were genotyped for two DBP SNPs (rs4588 and rs7041). Incident hospitalized fractures were measured by abstracting hospital records for ICD-9 codes. We used Cox proportional hazards models to evaluate the association between 25(OH)D levels and risk of fracture with adjustment for possible confounders. Interactions were tested by race and DBP genotype.ResultsThere were 1122 incident fracture-related hospitalizations including 267 hip fractures over a median of 19.6 years of follow-up. Participants with deficient 25(OH)D (< 20 ng/mL) had a higher risk of any fracture hospitalization [HR = 1.21 (95% CI 1.05–1.39)] and hospitalization for hip fracture [HR = 1.35 (1.02–1.79)]. No significant racial interaction was noted (p-interaction = 0.20 for any fracture; 0.74 for hip fracture). There was no independent association of rs4588 and rs7041 with fracture. However, there was a marginal interaction for 25(OH)D deficiency with rs7041 among Whites (p-interaction = 0.065). Whites with both 25(OH)D deficiency and the GG genotype [i.e. with predicted higher levels of DBP and lower bioavailable vitamin D] were at the greatest risk for any fracture [HR = 1.48 (1.10–2.00)] compared to Whites with the TT genotype and replete 25(OH)D (reference group).ConclusionsDeficient 25(OH)D levels are associated with higher incidence of hospitalized fractures. Marginal effects were seen in Whites for the DBP genotype associated with lower bioavailable vitamin D, but result inconclusive. Further investigation is needed to more directly evaluate the association between bioavailable vitamin D and fracture risk.     

Diagnostic performance of isolated orbital CT scan for assessment of globe rupture in acute blunt facial trauma

ObjectivesWe determine the diagnostic performance of emergent orbital computed tomography (CT) scans for assessing globe rupture in patients with blunt facial trauma.MethodsWe performed a retrospective cohort study based on prospectively collected trauma registry and acute care surveillance data in a tertiary-care hospital. Patients aged at least 18 years who underwent isolated orbital CT scanning for assessing potential ocular trauma were examined. Analyses were performed to evaluate the magnitude of agreement between diagnosis by CT scanning and ophthalmic assessment, including globe rupture.ResultsOur study cohort comprised 136 patients, 30% of whom (41 patients) sustained orbital wall fractures. Concordance for orbital CT diagnosis and the ophthalmic assessment of globe rupture was substantial (k = 0.708). The relative risk of globe rupture was 0.692 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.054–8.849) for superior wall fractures, 0.459 (95% CI: 0.152–1.389) for inferior wall fractures, 2.286 (95% CI: 1.062–4.919) for lateral wall fractures, and 0.637 (95% CI: 0.215–1.886) for medial wall fractures. According to multivariate analysis, lateral wall fractures were an independent risk factor for globe ruptures (adjusted odds ratio (OR) = 12.01, P = 0.011), and medial or inferior wall fracture was a protective factor (adjusted OR = 0.14, P = 0.012). In the stratified analysis of diagnostic performance of CT scan, specificity was highest among patients with orbital wall fractures (97.2%), followed by negative predictive volume (NPV, 97%), and accuracy (95.1%).ConclusionAmong patients with blunt facial trauma who underwent isolated orbital CT scanning as part of ocular trauma assessment, the diagnostic performance of CT in detecting globe rupture is more accurate in patients with orbital wall fractures. Nevertheless, isolated orbital CT alone does not have a sufficiently high diagnostic performance to be reliable to rule out all globe ruptures. Lateral orbital wall fractures in blunt facial trauma patients, in particular, should prompt thorough evaluation by an ophthalmologist.     

The population-based prevalence of osteoporotic vertebral fracture and densitometric osteoporosis in postmenopausal women over 50 in Valencia,Spain (the FRAVO Study)

PurposeTo estimate the prevalence of vertebral fracture and densitometric osteoporosis in postmenopausal women over the age of 50 in Valencia, Spain.MethodsThis cross-sectional study was conducted in 2006–2007. An age-stratified population-based random sample of 824 postmenopausal women over the age of 50 answered a questionnaire and received a densitometric examination of the lumbar spine and hip with dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and a lateral X-ray of the thoracic spine and lumbar regions. Osteoporosis was defined as a T-score less than or equal to ? 2.5 compared to a population of young women, and the presence of vertebral fractures was classified according to Genant's semiquantitative method.ResultsThe average age of the women was 64 years (range 50–87 years). The prevalence for all vertebral fractures was 21.4% (95% CI: 17.7%–25.1%) and 9.7% (95% CI: 6.7%–12.7%) for moderate–severe fractures. In women over the age of 75, the respective values were 46.3% (95% CI: 34.2%–58.3%) and 23.9% (95% CI:13.6%–34.2%). Only 1.5% of the women with vertebral fractures were aware of their condition. The prevalence of osteoporosis was estimated as 27.0% (95% CI:23.1%–30.8%) for the lumbar spine, 15.1% (95% CI:11.7%–18.5%) in the femoral neck, and 31.8% (95% CI:27.8%–35.7%) at either sites.ConclusionsThe study confirms that osteoporosis (1 in 3 women over the age of 50) and vertebral fracture (1 in 5 for all fractures and 1 in 10 for moderate–severe fractures) constitute a major public health and healthcare challenge; measuring their real impact will depend in part on the criteria used to define a fracture.     

Patient survival and surgical re-intervention predictors for intracapsular hip fractures

BackgroundChoosing between total hip replacement (THR) and partial hip replacement (PHR) for patients with intracapsular hip fractures is often based on subjective factors. Predicting the survival of these patients and risk of surgical re-intervention is essential to select the most adequate implant.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective cohort study on mortality of patients over 70 years with intracapsular hip fractures who were treated between January 2010 and December 2013, with either PHR or THR. Patients’ information was withdrawn from our local computerized database. The age-adjusted Charlson comorbidity index (ACCI) and American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score were calculated for all patients. The patients were followed for 2 years after surgery. Survival and surgical re-intervention rates were compared between the two groups using a Multivariate Cox proportional hazard model.ResultsA total of 356 individuals were included in this study. At 2 years of follow-up, 221 (74.4%) of the patients with ACCI score ≤ 7 were still alive, in contrast to only 20 (29.0%) of those with ACCI score > 7. In addition, 201 (76.2%) of the patients with ASA score ≤ 3 were still alive after 2 years, compared to 30 (32.6%) of individuals with ASA >3. Patients with the ACCI score > 7, and ASA score > 3 had a significant increase in all-cause 2-year mortality (adjusted hazard ratio of 3.2, 95% CI 2.2–4.6; and 3.12, 95% CI 2.2–4.5, respectively). Patients with an ASA score > 3 had a quasi-significant increase in the re-intervention risk (adjusted hazard ratio 2.2, 95% CI 1.0–5.1). The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive values of ACCI in predicting 2-year mortality were 39.2%, 91.1%, 71%, and 74.4%, respectively. On the other hand, the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive values of ASA score in predicting 2-year mortality were 49.6%, 79.1%, 67.4%, and 76.1%, respectively.ConclusionsBoth ACCI and ASA scales were able to predict the 2-year survival of patients with intracapsular hip fractures. The ASA scale was also able to predict the risk of re-intervention in these patients.