Bischoff-Ferrari HA, Orav JE, Barrett JA, Baron JA.
Osteoporosis international : a journal established as result of cooperation between the European Foundation for Osteoporosis and the National Osteoporosis Foundation of the USA · 2007
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Abstract
Unlabelled In this large population-based study, fracture rates for hips, distal forearms, proximal humeri, and ankles were higher in winter than in other seasons, although the winter peak was small for hip fractures (p Introduction The objective was to investigate seasonal variation in the incidence of four common fractures, and explore the association of weather with risk. Methods Population-based analysis of individuals age 65 and older, including fractures of the hip, the distal forearm, the proximal humerus and the ankle. Weather information was obtained from the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration website. Results For all fractures, rates were highest in winter and lowest in summer (p Conclusion Fractures contribute considerably to winter morbidity in older individuals. Younger age between 65 and 80, living in warmer states and male gender are risk factors for increased winter morbidity due to fractures. Weather affects hip fracture risk differently than the other fractures studied.