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Updated: Jul 13, 2026
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Permanent Cerebral Vessel Occlusion via Double Ligature and Transection
Published on: July 21, 2013
Long-Term fracture risk following ischemic stroke: a population-based study
L J Melton1, R D Brown, S J Achenbach
1Department of Health Sciences Research, Mayo Clinic and Mayo Foundation, Rochester, Minnesota 55905, USA. melton.j@mayo.edu
Summary
Stroke survivors do not face a significantly higher overall fracture risk compared to the general population. However, increased fracture risk is linked to age, hospitalization, and moderate functional impairment post-stroke.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Gerontology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Fracture risk following stroke is not well-quantified.
- Understanding post-stroke fracture incidence is crucial for patient care and fall prevention strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify the overall risk of fracture in individuals who have experienced a first cerebral infarction (stroke).
- To identify predictors of fracture risk in stroke survivors.
Main Methods:
- Population-based retrospective cohort study of 387 Rochester, Minnesota residents surviving 90 days post-stroke (1960-1969).
- Cases were matched by age and sex to general population controls.
- Fractures assessed via complete medical record review; survival analysis used Cox regression.
Main Results:
- No significant difference in cumulative fracture incidence at 25 years (71% vs. 66%; p=0.464) or overall fracture risk (HR 1.1; 95% CI 0.8-1.6).
- Fractures in stroke patients with hemiparesis/hemiplegia often occurred on the impaired side.
- Independent predictors of fracture risk included age, hospitalization at stroke onset, and moderate functional impairment.
Conclusions:
- Stroke itself does not significantly increase overall fracture risk, but specific factors elevate risk.
- Awareness of fracture risk from falls is essential for patients with moderate impairment who maintain independent mobility.
- Targeted interventions may be needed for stroke survivors with identified risk factors.
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