Timing of subsequent fractures after an initial fracture.
A prior fracture is a well-documented risk factor for a subsequent fracture and it doubles the risk of subsequent fractures. Few studies have investigated the time that elapses between the initial and subsequent fracture. These studies show that the subsequent fracture risk is not constant, but fluctuates over time. The risk of subsequent vertebral, hip, and nonvertebral non-hip fractures is highest immediately after initial hip, clinical, and radiographic vertebral fractures and nonvertebral fractures and declines afterward, regardless of gender, age, and initial fracture location. These studies indicate the need for early action after an initial fracture with medical interventions that have an effect within a short term to reduce the preventable risks of subsequent fractures.
van Geel
Tineke A C M
TA
Department of General Practice, Maastricht University/Caphri, PO Box 616, 6200 MD Maastricht, The Netherlands. t.vangeel@hag.unimaas.nl
Huntjens
Kirsten M B
KM
van den Bergh
Joop P W
JP
Dinant
Geert-Jan
GJ
Geusens
Piet P
PP
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D050071:Bone Density Conservation Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005260:Female; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010024:Osteoporosis / Q000150:complications / Q000517:prevention & control; D012008:Recurrence; D012307:Risk Factors; D013997:Time Factors
D050071:Bone Density Conservation Agents