Cookies on this website

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you click 'Accept all cookies' we'll assume that you are happy to receive all cookies and you won't see this message again. If you click 'Reject all non-essential cookies' only necessary cookies providing core functionality such as security, network management, and accessibility will be enabled. Click 'Find out more' for information on how to change your cookie settings.

Vertebral fractures are the most frequent of the fractures associated with osteoporosis, yet little is known of their impact on health in the United States. To aid in this understanding, the authors examined the survival rate of 335 residents of Rochester, Minnesota, who had an initial radiologic diagnosis of vertebral fracture between 1985 and 1989. Seventy-six died during 809 person-years of follow-up. The overall survival rate was worse than expected, and diverged steadily from expected values throughout the course of the study. At 5 years after diagnosis, the estimated survival was 61% compared with an expected value of 76% (relative survival = 0.81, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.70-0.92). The 5-year relative survival after a hip fracture in Rochester was a comparable 0.82 (95% CI 0.77-0.87), but there was a much greater excess of deaths within the first 6 months as compared with patients with vertebral fractures. The 5-year relative survival rate after a distal forearm fracture was 1.00 (95% CI 0.95-1.05). Clinically diagnosed vertebral fractures are rarely fatal, and the reduced survival seen subsequently could related to comorbid conditions. Nonetheless, the excess mortality should be accounted for in assessing the public health impact of osteoporosis.

Original publication

DOI

10.1093/oxfordjournals.aje.a116756

Type

Journal article

Journal

Am j epidemiol

Publication Date

01/05/1993

Volume

137

Pages

1001 - 1005

Keywords

Arm Injuries, Cause of Death, Female, Fractures, Bone, Hip Fractures, Humans, Male, Osteoporosis, Spinal Injuries, Wounds and Injuries