Rising burden of fall-related fractures: insights from the global burden of disease study

Objective Fractures due to falls are a significant global public health concern, yet comprehensive analyses of their burden remain limited. This study aimed to assess the global, regional and national incidence and years lived with disability (YLDs) of fractures attributable to falls from 1990 to 2021. Methods Data on fall-related fractures were extracted from the global burden of disease study for the years 1990–2021. Analyses included trends in incidence, YLDs, age-standardised incidence rates (ASIR) and age-standardised YLDs rates (ASYR) for both sexes globally and across 204 countries. Fracture-specific data were analysed by anatomical site, age group and regions. Results From 1990 to 2021, the global incidence and YLDs of fall-related fractures rose significantly. While ASIR and ASYR declined overall, they began to rise again over the past 4 years. In 2021, there were approximately 100.5 million new fracture cases, a 49.5% increase since 1990, with a 35.6% increase in females and a 64.6% increase in males. ASIR decreased by 7% overall, with declines of 9.8% in females and 2.8% in males. The most common fracture sites were the hand, femur and vertebral column. Regionally, the highest ASIR was observed in males in Saudi Arabia and in females in Andorra. Conclusion The global burden of fractures attributable to falls has increased markedly, particularly among females. Although ASIR and ASYR have declined overall, recent years have seen a resurgence. Targeted prevention strategies in high-risk populations and regions are crucial to mitigate the future burden of fall-related fractures.