Objective: The purpose of this study was to research the presence of osteoporosis and Subclinical Vertebral Fracture (SVF) in patients with a fracture of the distal end of the radius (FDER).

Metarials and Methods: The patients over 45 years of age who presented with a FDER following a trauma and not evaluated for osteoporosis after FDER were included in the study. Calcium intake of the subjects was assessed using the European Vertebral Osteoporosis Study (EVOS) Questionnaire and the physical activity level was evaluated. Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DXA) measurements and thoracic and lumbar spine radiographs were performed for detecting SVF. Vertebral height loss was assessed according to Genant’s classification. In order to determine the secondary causes of osteoporosis, biochemical tests were done.

Results: The average age of 42 patients included in the study was 59.26±9.19; and the average body mass index was 26.33±3.21. 21 patients were diagnosed as having osteoporosis and 14 patients were detected to have SVF. The average number of the fractures was 0.82±1.33 (0-4) and the fracture grade was 1. The average score of physical activities was found to be 12.43±5.31 and the calcium score was 9.65±3.34. The rate of patients who did not have osteoporosis according to DXA, however demonstrated SVF was reported to be 11.9%. When the patients with and without SVF were compared, no significant difference was not found with regard to demographical characteristics and biochemical indicators.

Conclusion: FDERs are frequent osteoporotic fractures and are also accepted as a predictor of hip and vertebral fractures associated with higher level of morbidity and mortality. SVF may be present in patients with FDER even if the diagnosis of osteoporosis is not established by DXA.