Forearm fracture

Abstract

Bone mineral density of the distal forearm decreases with age in women, and this results in an increased risk of forearm fractures. Men have no increase in risk of forearm fractures with age because they have a higher peak bone mass at this site and less of a decrease in bone mineral density with ageing. Bone loss from the forearm slows in women after the age of 65 years in women and this may account for the plateau in forearm fracture rate after this age. Women with forearm fractures have twice the expected risk of vertebral and hip fractures. Forearm fractures before the age of 60 years are associated with an increase in the risk of vertebral fractures. Forearm fractures after the age of 70 years are associated with an increased risk of hip fractures. Thus, women presenting with forearm fractures are a good target population for the prevention of osteoporosis.