Background/Objectives: Burn injuries are a major public health concern. This study estimated global, regional, and national burn burdens by total body surface area from 1990 to 2021 and projected trends to 2050. Methods: Utilizing data from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021, we examined the prevalence, mortality, and years lived with disability (YLDs) according to age, sex, and region. Future trends were predicted using Bayesian meta-regression models and Das Gupta decomposition analysis. Results: In 2021, global prevalence was 12.99 million for severe burns and 235.34 million for mild burns, with age-standardized rates of 158.75 and 2815.26 per 100,000. Severe burns were highest in Southern Latin America (7836.51 per 100,000) and mild burns in the Caribbean (626.94 per 100,000). The largest declines from 1990 to 2021 were in high-income North America for severe burns (−38.22%) and East Asia for mild burns (−73.03%). Females had higher severe burn prevalence at younger and older ages, while males had higher mild burn prevalence from early adulthood. Leading risk factors were fire, heat, and hot substances (38.22% of severe burn YLDs; 53.87% for mild burns). By 2050, severe burns are projected to rise by 233.4% and mild burns by 142.5%, with Eastern Europe showing the largest growth. Conclusions: Although age-standardized burn rates are declining, absolute cases are projected to rise due to population growth and aging, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, underscoring the need for stronger prevention and improved burn care infrastructure.

Background/Objectives: Vertebral fractures (VFs) are a global health issue caused by traumatic or pathological factors that compromise spinal integrity. The burden of VFs is increasing, particularly in older adults. Methods: Data from the Global Burden of Disease 2021 were analyzed to estimate the prevalence, mortality, and years lived with disability due to VFs from 1990 to 2021. Estimates were stratified according to age, sex, and region. Bayesian meta-regression models were used to generate age-standardized rates, and projections for 2050 were calculated using demographic trends and the sociodemographic index. Das Gupta’s decomposition assessed the relative contributions of population growth, aging, and prevalence changes to future case numbers. Results: In 2021, approximately 5.37 million people (95% Uncertainty Interval [UI]: 4.70–6.20 million) experienced VFs globally, with an age-standardized prevalence of 65 per 100,000. Although the rates have declined slightly since 1990, the absolute burden has increased owing to population aging. VF prevalence was the highest in Eastern and Western Europe and in high-income regions. Males had higher VF rates until 70 years of age, after which females surpassed them, reflecting postmenopausal osteoporosis. Falls and road injuries were the leading causes of VF. By 2050, the number of VF cases is expected to increase to 8.01 million (95% UI: 6.57–8.64 million). Conclusions: While the age-standardized VF rates have decreased slightly, the global burden continues to increase. Targeted strategies for the early diagnosis, osteoporosis management, and fall prevention are necessary to reduce the impact of VFs.

Background/Objectives: Vertebral fractures (VFs) are a global health issue caused by traumatic or pathological factors that compromise spinal integrity. With an aging population, the burden of VFs is increasing, particularly in older adults. Methods: Data from the Global Burden of Disease 2021 were analyzed to estimate the prevalence, mortality, and years lived with disability due to traumatic vertebral fractures from 1990 to 2021. Estimates were stratified according to age, sex, and region. Bayesian meta-regression models were used to generate age-standardized rates, and projections to 2050 were calculated using demographic trends and the socio-demographic index. Das Gupta’s decomposition assessed the relative contributions of population growth, aging, and prevalence changes to future case numbers. Results: In 2021, approximately 5.37 million people (95% UI: 4.70–6.20 million) experienced VFs globally, with an age-standardized prevalence of 65 per 100,000. Although rates have declined slightly since 1990, the absolute burden has increased owing to population aging. VF prevalence was the highest in Eastern and Western Europe and high-income regions. Males had higher VF rates until 70 years, after which female rates surpassed them, reflecting postmenopausal osteoporosis. Falls and road injuries were the leading causes of VF. By 2050, VF cases are projected to rise to 8.01 million (95% UI: 6.57–8.64 million). Conclusions: Although age-standardized VF rates have decreased slightly, the global burden continues to increase. Targeted strategies for early diagnosis, management of osteoporosis, and fall prevention are required to reduce the impact of VFs.