Secular trends in distal humeral fractures of elderly women: Nationwide statistics in Finland between 1970 and 2007

Abstract

In some types of low-trauma fractures of older adults the number and incidence of fractures are stabilizing or even decreasing. However, very little population-based information is available concerning the nationwide numbers, incidences and especially secular trends of low-trauma fractures of the distal humerus. Therefore, we assessed the current trends in the number and incidence of low-trauma distal humeral fractures in Finnish women 60 years of age or older by taking into account all women who were admitted to Finnish hospitals for primary treatment of such fracture in 1970–2007. The annual total number of low-trauma distal humeral fractures among women 60 years of age or older more than quintupled between 1970 (42 fractures) and 1998 (224 fractures) but after that the number decreased down to 192 fractures in 2007. The age-adjusted incidence (per 100,000 persons) of these fractures also increased during 1970–1998 (from 12 to 34), but thereafter, this incidence decreased to 25 in 2007. Also, in all age groups (60–69, 70–79, and 80–) the trend of age-specific incidence was increasing from 1970 till the end of 1990s, and decreasing thereafter. In conclusion, the clear rise in the rate of low-trauma distal humeral fractures in Finnish women 60 years of age and older from 1970 till late 1990s has been followed by stabilized or even decreased fracture rates. The precise reasons for this secular change are unknown, but a cohort effect towards improved functionality among older women and actions and interventions in preventing falls and minimizing fall severity cannot be ruled out.