Pain at multiple sites is associated with prevalent and incident fractures in older adults

This study aimed to describe the associations of number of painful sites with prevalent and incident fractures. Data from a longitudinal population‐based study of older adults (mean age 63 years) were util ised. Follow‐up was performed at 2.6, 5.1 and 10.7 years later, respectively. Presence/absence of pain at the neck, back, hands, shoulders, hips, knees and feet was assessed by questionnaire at baseline. Participants were classified into three groups according to the total number of painful sites (0‐2, 3‐4 and 5‐7 painful sites). Fractures were self‐reported at each time‐point. Bone mineral density (BMD) was measured by Dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry. Falls risk was calculated based on the short form Physiological Profile Assessment. Log‐binomial regression was used for the analyses. A total of 450 fractures at baseline and 154 new fractures were reported during a mean follow‐up period of 10.7 years (range 9.2‐12.5 years). In multivariable analyses, number of painful sites was associated with prevalent fractures at any site and non‐vertebral. Furthermore, partic ipants with 5‐7 painful sites had an increased risk of incident fractures at any site [relative risk (RR) 1.69, 95%CI 1.13‐2.53], major (including the femur, radius, ulnar, vertebral, rib and humerus) (RR 2.17, 95%CI 1.12‐4.22) and vertebral (RR 6.44, 95%CI 1.64‐25.33) compared to those with pain at 0‐2 sites. These associations remained significant after further adjustment for ...
Source: Journal of Bone and Mineral Research - Category: Orthopaedics Authors: Tags: ORIGINAL ARTICLE Source Type: research