This population-based study was conducted using claims data obtained from the National Health Insurance to investigate the trend in incidence of distal radial fractures in adults in Taiwan from 2000 to 2007. Our results revealed an increasing trend, particularly among women >50 years of age.

INTRODUCTION:

This population-based study used insurance claims data from 2000 to 2007 obtained from the National HealthResearch Institute to investigate the longitudinal trend in distal radial fractures in adults ≥20 years old in Taiwan.

METHODS:

We estimated the age- and gender-specific annual incidence rates of distal radial fracture and compared the differences in distribution by sociodemographic status between patients with and those without distal radial fracture and the differences in incidence rates between 2000 and 2007.

RESULTS:

The incidence of fracture was higher in women than in men. The overall female-to-male rate ratios were 1.52 in 2000 (12.3 vs 8.06 per 10,000 persons) and 1.89 in 2007 (18.9 vs 10.0 per 10,000 persons). There was marked increase in age-specific incidence beginning in the 50-54-year age group, particularly among women.

CONCLUSION:

These results imply the need for more effective intervention for the prevention of subsequent fracture and disability, particularly for perimenopausal women.