High-Trauma Fractures and Low Bone Mineral Density in Older Women and Men

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Abstract
Approximately 1.5 million osteoporotic fractures occur each year in the United States.1 As the population ages, the number of fractures is projected to increase dramatically, and hip fractures in particular are expected to increase almost 4-fold by 2050 if effective prevention strategies are not implemented.2,3 The criteria used to define osteoporotic fractures warrant further investigation. By the current definition, fractures are recognized as osteoporotic if they are associated with low bone mineral density (BMD) and if they increase the risk of subsequent fracture.4 It remains unclear whether degree of trauma should be included in the definition of osteoporotic fractures.