Risk for Subsequent Fractures After Initial Fractures in Postmenopausal Women

Nontraumatic fractures in postmenopausal women are associated with excess risk for future fractures, presumably mediated by underlying osteoporosis. Whether traumatic fractures are associated with similar excess risk is unclear. In this observational study, researchers analyzed Women's Health Initiative data on almost 67,000 postmenopausal women (age range, 50–79; mean age, 63 at baseline) and determined risk for subsequent fractures following initial nontraumatic versus traumatic fractures. Fractures resulting from motor vehicle collisions, sports, and falls down stairs or from heights were categorized as traumatic; fractures after simple falls or tripping were categorized as nontraumatic.

During mean follow-up of 8.1 years, 7100 women expe…