Patients with Osteoporotic Vertebral Fractures in Denmark 2010-2018: A National Registry Analysis.

Study design: Register-based cohort study based on linked data from multiple national registries.

Objective: To describe the sociodemographic and health characteristics of individuals in Denmark with osteoporotic vertebral fractures (OVF) and analyze time trends. The study compares labor market participation and comorbidities between OVF patients and a matched control group without these fractures.

Summary of background data: The incidence and characteristics of OVF patients in Denmark are not well-documented. Multiple national health and economic registries enable linking of individual patient data, providing new insights.

Methods: We identified individuals with hospital-diagnosed vertebral compression fractures from 2010 to 2018 using the Danish National Patient Register. A control group was matched by sex, age, and municipality. Work status prior to OVF was categorized as employed, on paid sickness benefit, in early retirement, or on old-age pension. Comorbidities were analyzed based on hospital diagnoses within 10 years prior to the fracture.

Results: During 2010 to 2018, 20.262 individuals had a hospital contact with an OVF. Sixty-four percent were women and the mean age was 73.6 (SD 12.4) years. OVF incidence increased from 86 in 2010 to 142 per 100,000 persons in 2018. In 2018, the regional incidence ranged from 120 to 154 per 100,000. More than a fifth of the patients were working prior to the fracture, while 77% were in early retirement or old-age pension. The population with OVF had more comorbidities than the matched comparison group.

Conclusion: The incidence of hospital-diagnosed OVFs has risen over the last decade, with regional differences. Notably, over 20% of OVF patients were still employed, highlighting the socioeconomic impact of this condition.