The risk factors for subsequent fractures after distal radius fracture

Introduction The purpose of this study was to evaluate the risk factors for subsequent fractures after distal radius fracture (DRF). Materials and methods We retrospectively reviewed 705 patients with DRF who performed dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry within six months before or after the DRF and followed more than 12 months. We identified patients with subsequent fractures and multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted with demographic information, underlying disease status, and bone fragility parameters at the time of DRF to evaluate the risk factors for subsequent fractures. Results Subsequent fractures occurred in 56 patients (7.9% of 705 patients) with 65 fractures at a mean time of 33.5 months after DRF. In multivariate logistic regression analysis, older age (OR 1.032; 95% CI, 1.001–1.064, p = 0.044), diabetes mellitus (DM) (OR 2.663; 95% CI, 1.429–4.963, p = 0.002) and previous fracture history (OR 1.917; 95% CI, 1.019–3.607, p = 0.043), and low total hip BMD (OR 1.410; 95% CI, 1.083–1.836, p = 0.011) were significant risk factors for the occurrence of subsequent fractures. Conclusion This study demonstrated that older age, DM, previous fracture history and low hip BMD are the risk factors for subsequent fractures after DRF. Active glycemic control would have a role in patients with DM and a more aggressive treat-to-target approach may be necessary for patients with low BMDs to prevent subsequent fractures after DRF.