Emergency department visits due to vertebral fractures in the Netherlands, 1986-2008: Steep increase in the oldest old, strong association with falls

Vertebral fracture related ED visits and hospitalizations are increasing rapidly in the older Dutch population, especially in the oldest-old. Most vertebral fractures were associated with falls. These findings indicate that a pro-active approach in the diagnosis and treatment of osteoporosis and in the prevention of falls in both men and women is warranted.