Long-Term Trends of Distal Radius Fractures in Adults Aged ≥ 50 Years in Korea Using Nationwide Claims Database (2006–2022)

Background: This study aimed to evaluate the long-term trends in the incidence, mortality, and subsequent fractures following distal radius fractures among South Koreans aged 50 years based on a nationwide claims database from 2006 to 2022.Methods: Using the National Health Insurance database, we identified individuals aged 50 years who received treatment for distal radius fractures from 2006 to 2022.Distal radius fractures were defined using diagnostic codes (S525 and S526) and treatment codes (N1601, N1611, N1603, N1613, N0996, N0998, N0983, N0643).Annual incidence rates, 1-year mortality rates, and rates of subsequent fractures were estimated after adjustment for age and sex.Results: Over the 16-year study period, the total number of distal radius fractures increased steadily (from 51,152 cases in 2006 to 100,729 in 2022).The incidence rate increased slightly from 426 per 100,000 in 2006 to 442 per 100,000 in 2022.The 1-year mortality rates after a distal radius fracture declined from 2.73% in 2006 to 1.79% in 2021 (incidence rate ratio per year, 0.985; P < 0.001), representing an annual decrease of 1.52%.The 1-year mortality rate in 2021 for men (3.41%) was higher than that for women (1.32%) (incidence rate ratio, 2.740; P < 0.001).The rate of subsequent distal radius fractures within 1 year following a distal radius fracture rose from 0.82% in 2007 to 7.44% in 2021 (annual increase of 17.21% [incidence rate ratio, 1.172; 95% confidence interval, 1.152-1.192;P < 0.001]).The rate of subsequent osteoporotic fractures within 1 year after a distal radius fracture also increased from 2.33% in 2007 to 8.96% in 2021, with an annual increase of 10.81% (incidence rate ratio, 1.108; P < 0.001). Conclusion:The long-term trends in this study-an increased number and incidence rate but decreased mortality after distal radius fractures in South Korea-highlight the need to initiate preventive strategies for subsequent osteoporotic fractures to reduce the associated socioeconomic burden.