Hospital discharge rate for humerus fracture in Chile: national epidemiological analysis during the period 2021-2024

Abstract

Introduction: Humerus fractures account for 5% to 8% of all adult fractures. Literature on the epidemiological status of humerus fractures in Chile is scarce. Objective: To describe the hospital discharge rate for humerus fractures in Chile from 2021 to 2024. Methodology: An observational, descriptive, and quantitative study was conducted using statistical data from the Department of Health Statistics and Information and the National Institute of Statistics. Ethics committee approval was not required. Result: The highest hospital discharge rate occurred in 2023, at 26,61 per 100.000 inhabitants. Females had the highest rate during the period, at 26,61 per 100.000 inhabitants. The 80-and-older age group had the highest rate, at 71,54 per 100.000 inhabitants. Discussion: The hospital discharge rate remained stable over the period, consistent with the multiple mechanisms involved in this, the third most common fracture in the population. Females showed the highest hospital discharge rate, which could be attributed to greater bone fragility in this sex, particularly at older ages. The 80-and-older group showed the highest hospital discharge rate, which could be related to decreased bone density with aging. Conclusion: A high-risk group is evident. Strengthening early screening and treatment of osteoporosis in women over 50 and fall-prevention strategies in older adults is recommended.