How well can a previous fracture indicate a new fracture? A questionnaire study of 29,802 postmenopausal women.
In a population-based, retrospective study, we investigated the effect of a previous fracture on the risk of a later fracture. A questionnaire was mailed to 46,353 postmenopausal women aged 50-80 years and 29,802 (64%) responded. Questions were asked about fractures after age 25 and in what year they had occurred. The fractures were grouped according to whether they occurred within 5 and 10 years before answering the questionnaire. The occurrence of a fracture preceding these time intervals increased the odds ratio (OR) of having sustained a hip fracture to 1.6 (95% CI 1.1-2.3) for a previous ankle fracture and to 3.5 (95% CI 2.4-5.0) for a previous humerus fracture. Corresponding figures for having sustained a spine fracture were 1.5 (95% CI 1.1-2.1) for a previous ankle fracture and 4.5 (95% CI 3.4-5.9) for a previous spine fracture. It seems possible to select women for evaluation and intervention against osteoporosis by using information on previous fragility fractures.
Gunnes
M
M
Center for Clinical Osteoporosis Research, Haugesund, Norway.
Mellström
D
D
Johnell
O
O
D017677:Age Distribution; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D018672:Community Health Planning; D005260:Female; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000150:complications*; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D009664:Norway; D016017:Odds Ratio; D015663:Osteoporosis, Postmenopausal / Q000209:etiology* / Q000517:prevention & control*; D017698:Postmenopause; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D012008:Recurrence; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013997:Time Factors