Unveiling Hidden Threat: Osteoporotic Vertebral Fractures Linked to Increased Mortality

Osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (OVCF) can unleash a cascade of health problems increasing the risk of falls and additional fractures. A groundbreaking study found that OVCF has debilitating effects, affects the quality of life, and significantly elevates the subsequent risk of mortality. 

The study was published in the journal PLOS ONE on September 14, 2023. 

With the ever-increasing geriatric population worldwide, the incidence of osteoporosis and osteoporotic fractures, such as spine, hip, wrist, and shoulder fractures, also is increasing. Osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (OVCF) are the most common fragility fractures related to osteoporosis and tend to occur earlier than other major osteoporotic fractures, such as hip fractures. Due to limited data on the patient mortality rates and post-OVCF mortality rates, the research team led by Hee Jung Son conducted a nationwide cohort study to evaluate mortality risk after the first occurrence of OVCF in the general population. 

By harnessing a comprehensive nationwide dataset from the Korean National Health Insurance System, researchers identified a staggering 291,203 individuals newly diagnosed with OVCF between 2010 and 2012. To establish a basis for comparison, 873,609 individuals without OVCF were carefully selected as part of a control group. Notably, this selection process aimed to maintain an equal balance in terms of sex and age, with a matching ratio of 1:3. The researchers meticulously examined the underlying characteristics of patients, including their demographic information and chronic comorbidities as they can influence the mortality rates once an OVCF diagnosis was made. Through a rigorous analysis of the cohort data, researchers calculated the hazard ratio for subsequent mortality in patients with OVCF.