Evaluation of Osteoporotic Fractures in a Group of Turkish Women

Aims: The frequency of osteoporotic fractures varies from one country to another. Epidemiologic data related to osteoporotic fractures is limited in Turkey, In this study, we aimed to explore the frequency of osteoporotic fractures in osteoporotic women on the basis of our outpatient clinic data, Additionally, we aimed to define the relationship between osteoporotic fractures and age, menopause status, bone mineral density (BMD), and body mass index (BMI). Materials and Methods: This is a retrospective chart review of 934 osteoporotic women, older than 50 years of age, seen from March 1998 through July 2005 at a musculoskeletal disease outpatient clinic of a tertiary-care center. The data related to osteoporotic bone fractures and the relation with age, menopause status, BMD (spine and femur neck). and BMI were evaluated. Results: Osteoporotic fractures were observed in 194 patients (20.8%). Vertebral fractures were the most common form of osteoporotic fracture in our patient group (107 patients). The fracture rate seems to be increased with age and menopausal state: however, such a relationship was significant only in vertebral and hip fractures. There was no significant difference in terms of BMI between the patients with or without any fractures. Conclusions: Osteoporotic fracture frequency in our study group was found to be relatively low as compared to the previous reports. It can be claimed that tendency towards osteoporotic fracture is relatively low in our study population.