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Fracture prevalence in an Australian population
R L Prince1, M W Knuiman, L Gulland
1University of Western Australia, Perth.
Australian Journal of Public Health
|June 1, 1993
Summary
Fracture epidemiology in Australia is understudied. This study found osteoporotic fractures are common in older adults, with wrist and limb fractures more prevalent than hip or spine fractures.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Epidemiology
- Orthopedics
Background:
- Limited data exists on fracture epidemiology in Australia.
- Osteoporotic fractures represent a significant health burden in aging populations worldwide.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the epidemiology of fractures in an Australian population aged 65 and over.
- To determine the incidence and skeletal distribution of osteoporotic fractures in this demographic.
Main Methods:
- A population-based retrospective study was conducted in Busselton, Western Australia.
- 1,073 eligible residents aged 65+ completed a questionnaire detailing fracture history, site, and trauma mechanism.
Main Results:
- 39% of subjects reported 620 fractures; 22% of women and 6% of men had osteoporotic fractures.
- Osteoporotic fractures in females were predominantly wrist (27%), other upper limb (19%), and other lower limb (11%), with hip and spine fractures comprising only 9%.
Conclusions:
- The study highlights that focusing solely on hip and spine fractures as indicators of osteoporosis is insufficient.
- A broader perspective on fracture sites is necessary for understanding and managing osteoporosis in older Australians.