Can distal radius or vertebra fractures due to low-energy trauma be a harbinger of a hip fracture?

Abstract

This study aims to investigate whether or not low-energy distal radius or vertebra fractures are harbingers of hip fracture. A total of 142 patients had surgical treatment due to hip fracture in our clinic between February 2013 and January 2017. The patients had low-energy fractures before hip fracture, and they received either medical treatment for osteoporosis or not before hip fracture developed. Of 142 patients, 32 had distal radius, humeral neck, ankle, vertebra fractures and 15 had a second hip fracture. The patients were determined to have most frequently a distal radius and vertebra fracture before hip fracture. The treatment of osteoporosis was determined to be neglected in 58% of 47 patients in total who had a fracture previously. Distal radius and vertebra fractures are the harbingers of a potential hip fracture. Physicians, especially orthopedists, who face with these fractures should be careful in terms of osteoporosis.