Prevalence, Characteristics, and Associated Risk Factors of Wrist Fractures in Americans Above 50: the Cross-sectional NHANES Study

Abstract

BackgroundWrist fractures, also known as distal radius fractures, are the most common fractures occurred in the upper limb. This study is conducted in the purpose of evaluating the prevalence, characteristics, and associated factors of wrist fractures in Americans that aged 50 and above.MethodsData of Americans aged 50 or above from the year 2013 to 2014 and 2017 to 2018 in NHANES was extracted and analyzed. Based on orthopedist's diagnosis, we further conducted surveys to determine the condition of wrist fractures, and collected relevant epidemiological and demographic data. The prevalence of wrist fractures and other statistics were calculated to study population characteristics and analyze potential risk factors associated with wrist fractures.ResultsThe prevalence of wrist fractures among Americans whose age was 50 or above was 12%, with similar results between men and women patients (male 12.8 % vs female 11.4 %, P = 0.267). Male and female Americans’ first wrist fracture occurred at a mean age of 29.4. 17.8% of Americans aged 50 and above had experienced two fractures, while 1.7% of Americans even experienced four or more fractures. The top two causes of the first fracture were falling down from standing height (56%) and violent falls (34.8%). Multivariate analysis showed that osteoporosis (OR = 2.2, 95% CI = 1.7-2.9), excessive drinking (OR = 1.8, 95% CI = 1.3-2.4), smoking (OR = 1.6, 95% CI = 1.2-2.1), prednisolone administration (OR = 1.5, 95% CI = 1.1-2.1) and obesity (OR = 0.8, 95% CI = 0.6-0.9) were independently associated with wrist fractures. Gender was not an independent risk factor associated with wrist fractures.ConclusionsThe prevalence of wrist fractures in Americans aged 50 and above was 12 %. The prevalence was similar between male and female patients. Falling from a standing height was the main cause of the first wrist fracture. Osteoporosis, excessive drinking, smoking and prednisolone administration were risk factors of wrist fractures, while obesity was negatively correlated.