Osteoporosis fractures linked to increase in death risk

Broken hips lead to a one in four chance of dying within five years and broken backs produce a one in six chance of dying within the same time period, according to a large Canadian study.

It has been discovered that 25% of people who develop hip fractures and 16% of people who develop spine fractures will die during a five year period. All fractures, except those of the ribs, are more common among women than men.

The McMaster University national study, led by George Ioannidis, used information from the Canadian Multicentre Osteoporosis Study to test the relationship between fractures and mortality over five years in more than 7,750 Canadians over the age of 50.

The study not only linked fractures with death but with pain, immobility and reduced health-related quality of life.

More interventions to reduce the occurrence of fractures is necessary, said the authors. The use of osteoporosis drugs, falls prevention strategies, hip protectors and enhanced rehabilitation after fracture to improve mobility and strength could all have a role to play, they said.

‘[Fractures] do not just reduce health related quality of life, they actually cause death. So hip and spinal fractures need to be taken very seriously, and prevention should be paramount in treating patients with osteoporosis,’ the authors said.

The findings are published in the online edition of the Canadian Medical Association Journal.

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