Low-Trauma Pelvic Fractures in Elderly Finns in 1970-2013

Low-trauma fractures of elderly persons are a major public health problem. However, epidemiologic knowledge on their fresh secular trends is scarce. Trends in the number and incidence (per 100,000 persons) of low-trauma fractures of the pelvic ring among older Finns were assessed by taking into account individuals 80-year-old or older who were admitted to Finnish hospitals for primary treatment of such injury in 1970-2013. The number and age-adjusted incidence of these fractures increased considerably between 1970 and 2013, from 33 (number) and 73 (incidence) in 1970 to 1055 and 364 in 2013. The age-specific incidence of fracture also increased in all age groups (80-84, 85-89, and 90-) of women and men during the entire study period. If the fracture incidence continues to rise at the same rates as in 1970-2013 and the size of the 80-year-old or older population of Finland increases as predicted (87 % by the year 2030), the number low-trauma pelvic fractures in this population will be 2.4 times higher in the year 2030 (2550 fractures) than it was in 2013 (1055 fractures). The number of low-trauma fractures of the pelvis among Finns 80 years of age or older has risen sharply between 1970 and 2013-with a rate that cannot be explained merely by demographic changes. Further studies are urgently needed to better assess the reasons for the rise and possibilities for fracture prevention.