Neurodegenerative Conditions in the Geriatric Population Increase Risk of Distal Radius Fracture: A Nationwide Study.

Purpose: Rising prevalence of geriatric neurodegenerative conditions calls for urgency to characterize common injuries in these populations for adequate targeted injury prevention. Although distal radius fracture (DRF) is common in older populations because of age-related decline, the current study aimed to report on associations between neurodegenerative conditions and DRF incidence in this senior cohort.

Methods: Data used in this study came from Epic Cosmos, a community collaboration of health systems representing more than 227,000,000 patient records from more than 1,301 hospitals and 28,600 clinics. All patients aged at least 60 years with an encounter between December 7, 2013, and December 6, 2023, were included and sorted based on neurodegenerative condition diagnoses using registry information and International Classification of Diseases 10 codes. Distal radius fracture incidence after the age of 60 years was measured using International Classification of Diseases 10 codes, and 99% confidence intervals were recorded. Odds ratios of DRF between those with and without neurodegenerative conditions were calculated.

Results: Patients listed in the Alzheimer and Dementia Registry compared with those not listed had an increase in DRF incidence after the age of 60 years. Stratified by diagnosis, Alzheimer disease was associated with higher DRF incidence than Parkinson disease, Huntington disease, frontotemporal dementia, Lewy body, and normal pressure hydrocephalus. Each condition listed was associated with a higher incidence of DRF than those without the condition.

Conclusions: Although uncomplicated aging is undoubtedly associated with diminished motor function, this relationship may be exacerbated by common neurodegenerative conditions, especially Alzheimer disease. Although cognitive symptoms may be more evident, patients affected by these conditions may need exceptionally diligent monitoring because of increased fall and fracture risk.

Level Of Evidence: Differential Diagnosis/Symptom Prevalence Study IV.