Risk factors, falls, and fracture of the distal forearm in Manchester, UK

To determine the risk factors associated with fracture of the distal forearm, and to evaluate the influence of falls on these risks.

This was a case-control study.

Manchester, UK.

The cases were 62 white women aged 45-82 years who had sustained a fracture of the distal forearm and had attended local hospitals. Two control groups were studied - 50 women who had fallen onto the hand but had not sustained a fracture (recruited from the same source as those with fracture) and 116 women randomly selected from primary care age and sex registers in the catchment area of the hospitals. Both cases and controls were sent a letter inviting them to take part in the study. Data were collected by questionnaire completed by an interviewer.

Compared with the population control group, those with fracture were more likely to walk at a brisk pace (odds ratio (OR) = 3.5; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.3, 9.6) though they had undertaken less physical activity at home or work on a daily basis throughout life (OR = 0.4; 95% CI 0.2, 0.9). The risk associated with brisk walking was less marked when the cases were compared with fall controls. Other lifestyle factors including calcium intake, smoking, and alcohol consumption were not associated with fracture. Analysis of gynaecological and hormonal factors suggested that compared with population controls, those with fracture of the distal forearm had had fewer fertile years (OR = 0.4; 95% CI 0.1, 0.9) and were less likely to have used oral contraceptives (OR = 0.3; 95% CI 0.1, 0.9).

The data highlight the need for caution when advising middle aged and elderly subjects about exercise. Such advice should be combined with practical information about the prevention of falls. Hormonal factors seem to be additional determinants of fracture. Other lifestyle interventions seem unlikely to play an important part in preventing distal forearm fracture.