Rising incidence of stair-related upper extremity fractures among older adults in the United States: a 10-year nationwide analysis
Authors' conclusion
Stair-related UE fracture injuries, incidence, and hospitalization rates among older adults are increasing significantly, particularly among older females.
Study context
- Population
- United States (US) adults 65 years or older with stair-related upper extremity fractures presenting to EDs, 2012–2021national estimate
- Participants
- 251,041 adults
- Outcome
- Trends in stair-related upper extremity fractures (injuries, incidence, hospitalization rate) and risk factors for hospitalization
- Follow-up
- 2012–2021
Methodological detailsnationwide, National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS) database, linear and multivariate regression
- Nationwide
- NEISS database
- Linear and multivariate regression
Main finding
As reported in the abstract
Stair-related upper extremity (UE) fractures, change over 10-year study period
Estimated fractures 2012–2021
251,041
95% CI 211,678–290,404
Increase in injuries (R2 = 0.77, p < 0.001)
56%
Increase in incidence per 100,000 persons (R2 = 0.42, p < 0.05)
7%
Increase in hospitalization rate (R2 = 0.61, p < 0.01)
38%
Observational data: associations, not effects.
Further findings
Fracture characteristics
- Humeral shaft
- 27%
- Wrist
- 26%
- Proximal humerus
- 18%
- Women
- 76%
- Injuries occurring in homes
- 89%
Factors associated with increased odds of hospitalization
- Advanced age (p < 0.0001)
- Males (p < 0.0001)
- Proximal humerus fractures (p < 0.0001)
- Humeral shaft fractures (p < 0.0001)
- Elbow fractures (p < 0.0001)
- Multivariate regression
Original publication
Rising incidence of stair-related upper extremity fractures among older adults in the United States: a 10-year nationwide analysis. Osteoporos Int. Published 24 April 2023. doi:10.
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