Epidemiology, imaging, and management trends in sacral fragility fractures: A 19-year nationwide analysis in Germany.

INTRODUCTION

Sacral fractures are an increasingly recognized clinical entity, particularly among older adults with osteoporosis. However, national-level data on long-term trends in incidence, diagnostic imaging, treatment strategies, and the recognition of underlying bone fragility remain limited. This study aimed to evaluate nationwide trends in sacral fracture care in Germany over a 19-year period.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective analysis of all inpatient cases with a primary diagnosis of sacral fracture (ICD-10-GM: S32.1) recorded in the German Federal Statistical Office database from 2005 to 2023. Fragility fractures were defined as cases in patients aged ≥65 years. Outcomes included use of CT and MRI (OPS codes), surgical versus conservative treatment, and coded diagnoses of osteoporosis (ICD-10: M80-M82). Time trends were analyzed using linear regression; group comparisons were conducted with t-tests and chi-square tests (p < 0.05).

RESULTS

A total of 162,116 sacral fractures were identified. Annual cases increased from 1,861 in 2005 to 7,695 in 2023. Fragility fractures in women aged ≥65 years rose significantly, from 985 to 12,901 cases (p < 0.0001). CT use increased by 241% and MRI by 175%, with a significant shift toward CT as the preferred modality (p < 0.0001). Despite increased access to minimally invasive options, surgical treatment rates remained stable at approximately 20% (p = 0.15). Osteoporosis was documented in only 1.5% of cases.

CONCLUSIONS

The incidence of sacral fractures in Germany has risen markedly, driven by an aging population and under-recognized bone fragility. While cross-sectional imaging use has expanded, surgical treatment remains underutilized, and osteoporosis continues to be grossly underdiagnosed. These findings underscore a systemic gap in secondary prevention and highlight the need for integrated, bone-focused trauma care models.