Epidemiologic features of pelvic fractures

Abstract

The epidemiology of pelvic fractures was investigated in Rochester, Minnesota, residents during the decade 1968 to 1977. The overall incidence was 37 per 100,000 person-years, substantially higher than previous population-based studies would indicate. The incidence increased markedly with age in both sexes, and was greater for women than men at all ages over 35, reaching a maximum incidence of 446.3 per 100,000 person-years in women 85 or older. Half of all pelvic fractures were attributed to moderate trauma, usually a fall from standing height, 95% of which were minor (Type I or II). Moderate trauma was responsible for the increase in pelvic fracture incidence with age in the high-risk population of postmenopausal women. A large proportion of both men and women with moderate trauma fractures had some evidence of preexisting osteoporosis.