Update in the Epidemiology of Proximal Humeral Fractures

UNLABELLED: We sought to determine current trends in the number of fall-related and osteoporosis-related proximal humeral fractures in elderly Finns during last three decades. We collected data from the National Hospital Discharge Register on all patients 60 years or older who were admitted to Finnish hospitals from 1970 to 2002 for primary treatment of proximal humeral fractures. Fractures induced by traffic accidents or other high-energy traumas were excluded. The number and incidence (per 100,000 patients) of fractures increased from 208 (number) and 32 (incidence) in 1970 to 1120 (number) and 105 (incidence) in 2002. The age adjusted incidence of proximal humeral fractures also showed an increase, from 51…