Broken Bones Could Increase Death Risk for Older Adults

A new study from the Garvan Institute of Medical Research published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism suggests a fracture in older age could heighten the mortality risk for the next decade, reports HealthDay News . "A fracture is the starting point for much wider health issues that persist long after the fracture has healed, and can ultimately result in earlier death," notes study author Jacqueline Center. The study encompassed all people in Denmark older than 50 with a fragility fracture in 2001 who were followed up with for 10 years. In the 12 months following a hip fracture, men had a 33 percent higher risk of death, while women had a 20 percent higher risk. In the 12 months after femur or pelvic fractures, the risk of death climbed between 20 percent and 25 percent. A higher risk of death was observed 10 years after a hip fracture, and about five years after non-hip fractures. "Our findings emphasize just how crucial early intervention is," Center says. "While intervention after the first fracture is critical, we also need to diagnose those at risk of breaking bones before these major health impacts have occurred."