[Vertebral fractures and socioeconomic status].

Abstract

Spinal fractures are common, and distinct epidemiological patterns are well-known.In the young to middle age, high energy trauma is the most common etiology, and men are more afflicted than women. In the geriatric population, osteoporotic vertebral fractures are common, and in this age category the women are most often affected. As vertebral fractures affect all socioeconomic groups in the society, the question arises if treatment of vertebral fractures differs according to the patient's socioeconomic status. A recent Swedish study from Uppsala, using national databases, confirmed the results from previous epidemiological studies and showed that socioeconomic factors do not influence how patients with vertebral fractures are treated in Swedish hospitals.