The incidence of fractures among the adult population of Germany

Background Detailed analyses of epidemiological data on fractures are an important resource for persons and institutions providing health care services, as they yield information on the effects of current treatment strategies and on the need for preventive measures. The epidemiology of fractures in Germany, however, is unknown. The goal of this study is to determine the nationwide fracture burden from 2009 through 2019, as a function of anatomical site, age, and sex. Methods Annual compilations of ICD-10 diagnosis codes for the years 2009-2019 were made available to us by the German Federal Statistical Office. The prevalence and incidence of fractures at 30 different sites were quantified, and standardized sex and age distributions were calculated. Results A total of 688 403 fractures was registered in 2019. From 2009 to 2019, the incidence of fractures rose by 14%, to 1014 fractures per 100 000 persons per year. The most common fracture types were femoral neck fractures (120 per 100 000 persons per year), pertrochanteric femural fractures (109 per 100 000 persons per year), and distal radius fractures (106 per 100 000 persons per year). All types were more common in women, with incidences that rose with age. The highest incidence was of pertrochanteric femoral fractures in women over age 90, with an incidence of 2550 per 100 000 persons per year. The largest rises in incidence were seen with regard to acetabular fractures (+ 58.16%) and clavicular fractures (+ 44.02%). Conclusion The increasing frequency of fractures, particularly among the elderly, presents a challenge to the health care system. Given the high frequency of geriatric fractures, prophylactic measures against fractures ought to be intensified.