Epidemiology of osteoporotic fractures in Brazil: what we have and what we need

Abstract

The epidemiology of osteoporotic fractures varies widely among countries and is primarily related to differences in the population and utilization of public healthcare services. Since 1994, over 200 studies about osteoporosis and fractures have been conducted in Brazil, among which 60 have described the current epidemiological status. This work is a compilation of studies published in scientific journals (PubMed, MedLine, Lilacs, SciELO Database) with the respective highlights. Overall, these studies show moderate incidence of hip fracture in subjects over 50 years old. However, the prevalence of all types of bone fragility fracture is higher, ranging from 11% to 23.8%. In addition, there is a high incidence of recurrent falls, which are the main extra-skeletal factor associated with these fractures. According to the national studies, 12 months after femoral fractures, the mortality rate ranged between 21.5% and 30%, and there was also a high rate of physical impairment, deterioration of the quality of life and excessive burden to the healthcare system. Considering its high prevalence and associated mortality and physical impairment, osteoporosis and its main consequence, bone fragility fractures, must be considered a major public health problem in our country.