Most common fracture sites due to osteoporosis

Osteoporosis-related fractures are common. In 2025 it is estimated over 193,000 fractures will happen due to poor bone health. These fractures are typically referred to as ‘minimal trauma’ fractures because they occur after a minor incident such as tripping or falling. Noting finger and toe fractures are not counted in the Healthy Bones Australia data sets. 

Looking more closely at the data we can understand the types of sites within the body which are most frequently affected and some of the results can be surprising. 

The biggest category accounting for 45% is a bundle of sites (including leg, ankle/foot, arm, ribs). Hip fractures account for 23% of fractures, spinal fractures 19% and wrist fractures a significant 13%. 

Greg Lyubomirsky CEO Healthy Bones Australia said “this is important information for doctors and the community. It means if you are over 50 and have a fall and break your wrist or arm or a bone in your leg or foot you should be investigated for underlying osteoporosis.” 

Greg added “Hip fractures remain the most serious type of fracture and the most costly to the healthcare system. However, fractures at these other sites account for over three quarters of all fractures and should be taken seriously.”