Broken bones may increase the risk of death in the elderly

FRIDAY, July 20, 2018 – A bone fracture at a later age may increase the risk of death for the next 10 years, say the researchers.

"A fracture is the starting point for much larger health problems that persist long after the fracture has healed, and may ultimately result in death earlier," said study author Jacqueline Center, who is at the Garvan Institute for Medical Research in Sydney, Australia.

The study included all people in Denmark over 50 with a fracture fragility in 2001. They were followed for a decade.

A fall of a standing height or less that causes a broken bone is called a fragility fracture, according to the National Osteoporosis Foundation. one hip, men had a 33% higher risk of death, and women a higher risk of 20%.

In the year following femoral or pelvic fractures, the risk of death increased from 20 to 25%

. was a higher risk of death 10 years after hip fracture, and about five years after non-hip fractures.

The study was published July 19 in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism

"Our results underscore how early intervention is crucial," said the Center. "Although the intervention after the first fracture is critical, we also need to diagnose those who are at risk of breaking their bones before these major health effects occur," the Center concluded.

Institutes of Health offers fracture prevention tips.