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[Epidemiology of fractures in Chile]
L Contreras1, A Kirschbaum, H Pumarino
1Departamento de Medicina del Hospital Clínico José Joaquín Aguirre, Universidad de Chile, Santiago.
Insights
Bone fractures were diagnosed in 3.3% of Chilean hospital patients in 1985. Fracture rates were higher in males, but hip fractures increased with age, especially in females over 75.
Area of Science:
- Epidemiology
- Orthopedics
- Public Health
Context:
- In 1985, bone fractures accounted for 3.3% of diagnoses in 1,003,267 patients discharged from Chilean National Health System Hospitals.
- Fractures were associated with 1.2% of 73,534 certified deaths during the same period.
Purpose:
- To analyze the incidence and patterns of bone fractures in a large Chilean population.
- To identify demographic variations and age-related trends in fracture occurrence.
Summary:
- The study examined fracture diagnoses and mortality in Chile during 1985.
- Significantly higher fracture rates were observed in males, while females over 75 experienced more fractures.
- Specific fracture rates per 100,000 included radio-cubital (45.4), tibia and fibula (41), ankle (28.1), humerus (25.3), and hip (23.5).
- Male-specific rates highlighted tibia and fibula (66.2) and radius and cubitus (64.9).
- Female rates showed a higher incidence of hip fractures (28.2).
- Hip fracture incidence increased dramatically with age, particularly in individuals over 60, with rates reaching 617 per 100,000 in females and 330 in males.
- Other age-related fractures included radius and cubitus, tibia and fibula, ankle, humerus, and femur.
Impact:
- This research provides crucial epidemiological data on bone fracture burden in Chile.
- Findings highlight the need for age-specific and sex-specific fracture prevention strategies.
- Understanding these trends can inform public health policies and healthcare resource allocation.
Abstract:
Bone fractures represented 3.3% of diagnosis among 1,003,267 patients discharged from National Health System Hospitals in Chile during 1985. Among 73,534 certified deaths, 1.2% followed fractures. Significantly higher rates were observed in males; after age 75, fractures were more common in females. Rates per 100,000 for different fractures were: radio-cubital 45.4, shine and fibula 41, ankle 28.1, humerus 25.3, and hip 23.5. Among males the figures were shine and fibula 66.2, radius and cubitus 64.9, face 37.5 and ankle 37.1. Among females, hip 28.2, radius and cubitus 26.3, ankle 19.3 and humerus 16.5. Hip fracture is clearly related to age, the incidence raising from below 60 per 100,000 under age 60 to 617 in females and 330 in males above that age. Other fractures that increase with age include radius and cubitus, shine and fibula, ankle, humerus and femur.