Age-adjusted incidence rates of hip fractures between 2006 and 2009 in Rabat, Morocco

Summary

This study, characterizing the incidence of hip fracture in the province of Rabat, showed that age- and sex-specific rates remained stable between 2006 and 2009. The demographic projections estimated for Morocco indicate that between 2010 and 2030, the expected annual number of hip fractures would increase about twofold.

Introduction

No data on hip fracture incidence trends exist from Africa. The aim of the study was to determine time trends in hip fracture rates for the province of Rabat and to forecast the number of hip fractures expected in Morocco up to 2030.

Methods

All hip fracture cases registered during the years 2006–2009 were collected at all the public hospitals and private clinics with a trauma unit and/or a permanent orthopedic surgeon across the province.

Results

Over the 4-year period, 723 (54.3 %) hip fractures were recorded in women and 607 (45.6 %) in men. The age- and gender-specific incidence of hip fracture rose steeply with advancing age. Hip fractures occurred later in women 75.0 (10.7) years than in men 73.3 (11.0) years (p?=?0.014), and its incidence was higher in women than in men [85.9 (95 % CI 79.7–92.2) per 100,000 person-years vs. 72.7 (95 % CI 66.9–78.5)]. The incidence remained globally stable over the period study, and the linear regression analysis showed no significant statistical difference. For the year 2010, there were 4,327 hip fractures estimated in Morocco (53.3 % in women). Assuming no change in the age- and sex-specific incidence of hip fracture from 2010 to 2030, the number of hip fractures in men is expected to increase progressively from 2,019 to 3,961 and from 2,308 to 4,259 in women.

Conclusion

The age-specific incidence of hip fracture between the years 2006 and 2009 remained stable in Morocco, and the number of expected hip fractures would double between 2010 and 2030.     

High incidence rate of hip fracture in Taiwan: estimated from a nationwide health insurance database

The objective of this study was to describe the incidence rate of hip fracture from 1996 to 2000 in Taiwan, based on an inpatient database of the National Health Insurance Program. A total of 54,199 patients, who had a first-time admission for a diagnosis of hip fracture (ICD9 code 820.0 through 820.9, 820.21, 820.22, and 820.31) on discharge from January 1996 through December 2000 and aged 50 to 100 years, were identified and included in the study. The results showed that the age-specific incidence rates of hip fractures were higher with increasing age in both genders, in an exponential manner after 65 years of age. The incidence was 1.6 times higher and rose about 5 years earlier among women than among men. Thus in these 5 years the age-adjusted incidence rates (95% confidence interval) of hip fracture in Taiwan were 225 (95% CI, 188–263) per 100,000 in men and 505 (95% CI, 423–585) per 100,000 in women (adjusted to US white population of 1989), as compared with US white rate of 187 in men and 535 in women. More than half of the fractures were peritrochanteric, and the recorded cause in most cases was a fall on the same level, from slipping, tripping, or stumbling (ICD9 E885). A total of 37.8% patients had hip hemiarthroplasty, 51.2% had open reduction of fracture with internal fixation, and 10.5% had closed reduction of fracture with internal fixation. We concluded that, using the data from a nationwide health insurance database of Taiwan, we found a high annual incidence rate of hip fracture for both men and women in 5 consecutive years. These incidence rates were higher than other reports on Chinese populations reported in the past 10 years and similar to that of Western countries. With the rapid aging of the populations of Taiwan and other Asian countries in the years to come, our results clearly demonstrated the impact of osteoporosis and hip fracture in this region.     

Hip fractures in Hefei,China: the Hefei osteoporosis project

Hip fracture incidence rates in Hefei, China, over a period of 1 year (2010) were assessed. The aim of this study was to investigate the incidence and epidemiology of hip fracture in Hefei and compare it with other populations. All the hip fracture records were obtained from the Hefei Hospital Discharge Register for the entire population ≥50 years of age and restricted to cervical or trochanteric types. The incidence of hip fracture was standardized to the 2010 World population. A total of 1518 (aged ≥50) hip fractures (628 in men, 890 in women) were recorded during the study period. The age-adjusted incidence rate for 1 year was 144/100,000 (95 % CI = 135–153/100,000) for women and 97/100,000 (95 % CI = 85–109/100,000) for men. The standardized incidence rate against the 2010 World population was 151.7/100,000 for women and 98.2/100,000 for men. The mean age of patients with a hip fracture was 74.5 ± 10.1 years for women and 71.9 ± 11.9 years for men. The overall female to male ratio of hip fracture was 1.48:1 for hip fracture incidence and 1.54:1 for standardized incidence. Simple fall accounted for 85 % hip fractures in total cases. Hefei has a lower incidence of hip fracture compared with Beijing and other countries from the five continents in recent studies, but a higher incidence than those cities in north-east China in the early 1990s. The inequality incidence in different geographic areas could be due to the urbanization or life expectancy of the population, but further investigation needs to be done to confirm this hypothesis. We also found a higher incidence in women than in men. Simple fall may be the main mechanism of injury for hip fracture.     

Incidence of hip fracture over a 10-year period (1991-2000): reversal of a secular trend

INTRODUCTION: Hip fractures are a major cause of burden associated with osteoporosis in terms of mortality, disability, and costs. With the ageing of the population, a marked increase in the number of fractures is expected. Furthermore, many studies reveal an increase of the age-adjusted hip fracture incidence. We specifically examined secular changes in the incidence of hip fracture in women and men aged 50 years and over in the well-defined area of Geneva, Switzerland. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All hip fractured patients were retrospectively identified from the computer medical records of the main hospital, which is receiving 95% of hip fractures occurring in a well-defined area. RESULTS: From 1991 to 2000, 4115 hip fractures were recorded in 2981 women and 822 men with a mean age (+/-S.D.) of 83.1+/-8.9 and 78.3+/-11.6 years, respectively. A second hip fracture occurred in 276 women (9.3%) and 36 men (4.4%), on average 2.1+/-1.9 (median 1.44) years after the first event without gender difference. The overall incidence of hip fractures was 455 (95% CI: 439-471) per 100,000 person-years in women and 153 (95% CI: 143-163) in men. The number of hip fractures remained constant (412 (95% CI: 397-426)), but the mean age of these patients increased each year by 0.13 year in women (p=0.019) and by 0.04 year in men (NS). Furthermore, the age-adjusted incidence of hip fractures, standardized to the 2000 Geneva population, decreased significantly by 1.4% (95% CI: -2.6 to -0.1) per year in women (p=0.021), but remained stable in men (0.5% (95% CI: -1.7 to +2.8) per year, p=0.66). The overall female/male ratio of hip fracture incidence was 2.99 (95% CI: 2.80-3.18, p<0.001) and significantly decreased by 0.07 (95% CI: -0.13 to -0.01) per year (p=0.024). CONCLUSION: Despite an increase in the population at risk and in the mean age of hip fractured women, there was a significant decrease in age-adjusted incidence in women but not in men. These results may suggest a reversal of the previously observed secular trend.     

Risk factors for hip fractures in a middle-aged population: a study of 33,000 men and women

Knowledge about subjects who sustain hip fractures in middle age is poor. This study prospectively investigated risk factors for hip fracture in middle age and compared risk factors for cervical and trochanteric hip fractures. The Malmö Preventive Project consists of 22,444 men, mean age 44 years, and 10,902 women, mean age 50 years at inclusion. Baseline assessment included multiple examinations and lifestyle information. Follow-up was up to 16 years with regard to occurrence of fracture. One hundred thirty-five women had one low-energy hip fracture each, 93 of which were cervical and 42 trochanteric. One hundred sixty-three men had 166 hip fractures, of which 81 were cervical and 85 trochanteric. In the final Cox regression model for women, the risk factors with the strongest associations with hip fracture were diabetes (risk ratio (RR) 3.89, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.69–8.93, p =0.001) and poor self-rated health (RR 1.74, 95%CI 1.22–2.48, p =0.002). A history of previous fracture (RR 4.76, 95%CI 2.74–8.26, p =0.0001) was also a significant risk factor. In men, diabetes had the strongest association with hip fracture (RR 6.13, 95%CI 3.19–11.8, p =0.001). Smoking (RR 2.20, 95%CI 1.54–3.15, p =0.001), high serum -glutamyl transferase (RR 1.84, 95%CI 1.50–2.26, p =0.001), poor self-rated health (RR 1.49, 95%CI 1.06–2.10, p =0.02) and reported sleep disturbances (RR 1.52, 95%CI 1.03–2.27, p =0.04) were other significant risk factors. The strongest risk factor for hip fracture for both women and men in middle age was diabetes. Many risk factors were similar for men and women, although the risk ratio differed. The risk factor pattern for cervical versus trochanteric fractures differed in both men and women. The findings indicate that those suffering a hip fracture before the age of 75 have a shorter life expectancy, suggesting that hip fractures affect the less healthy segment of the population.     

Trend of hip fracture incidence in Germany 1995–2004: a population-based study

We analyzed hip fracture incidence trends in Germany 1995-2004, using national hospital discharge register. Crude incidences per 100,000 increased from 121.2 (95% CI 120.5-121.9) in 1995 to 140.9 (140.2-141.7) in 2004. Age-sex-adjusted annual incidence ratios showed a statistically significant, but only slight increase (1.01, p < 0.01), compared to higher rises in the past. Trends differed markedly with sex, age, and regions. INTRODUCTION: Data concerning actual trends of the hip fracture incidence and differences for sex, age, and region are limited. We analyzed hip fracture incidence trends in Germany 1995-2004, using the national hospital discharge register. Crude incidences per 100,000 increased from 121.2 (95% CI 120.5-121.9) in 1995 to 140.9 (140.2-141.7) in 2004. Age-sex-adjusted annual incidence ratios showed a statistically significant, but only slight increase (1.01, p < 0.01), compared to higher rises in the past. Trends differed markedly with sex, age, and regions. METHODS: Analysis of annual hip fracture incidences using the national hospital discharge register. Estimate of age-sex-adjusted changes was found by using Poisson regression (incidence rate ratios, IRR). RESULTS: The number of patients with at least one hospital admission for hip fracture increased (1995: n = 99,141; 2004: n = 116,281). Crude incidences per 100,000 were 121.2 (95% confidence interval 120.5-121,9) and 140.9 (140.2-141.7), respectively. The age-sex-adjusted hip fracture incidence increased statistically significantly, but only slightly (IRR per year: 1.01; 1.00-1.01; IRR 1995-2004: 1.05, p < 0.01). In men aged 40 years or older, incidences increased. In women, there was a tendency of a decrease up to 74 years of age, but also a significant increase in higher age groups. In people 0-39 years, the incidence declined markedly (IRR 1995-2004, men 0.74; 0.69-0.79, women 0.62; 0.55-0.69, both p < 0.01). The increase was significantly higher in Eastern compared to Western Germany (interaction: p = 0.002), and differences between East and West decreased. CONCLUSIONS: In contrast to earlier years, the hip fracture incidence in Germany 1995-2004 increased only slightly, with a decline in younger people, but increases in older ages, particularly in men. Regional differences decreased.     

Incidence of hip and other osteoporotic fractures in elderly men and women: Dubbo Osteoporosis Epidemiology Study.

In this prospective 12-year study in men and women 60 years of age and older, there was a 4-6% per year reduction in the incidence rate of overall osteoporotic fractures, but the study was unable to exclude any change in the hip fracture incidence rate. Approximately one-half of hip fractures occurred before 80 years in men and two-thirds before 85 years in women. The age distribution of hip fractures underlines the need for earlier intervention in osteoporosis. INTRODUCTION: Although hip fracture is the major osteoporotic fracture in terms of health outcomes, quality of life, and costs, there is a paucity of long-term data on secular changes in men and women within a defined community. This long-term prospective population-based study over 12 years from 1989 to 2000 specifically examined the age distribution and secular changes in the incidence rates of hip and other osteoporotic fractures in men and women 60 years of age and older in a predominantly white population in Dubbo, Australia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Hip and all other clinical fractures were ascertained by reviewing all radiography reports from the two area radiology services, ensuring complete ascertainment of all clinical osteoporotic fractures. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Among the 1055 symptomatic atraumatic fractures (after excluding pathological fractures), there was a significant reduction in the overall fracture incidence rate in women (4% per year; p = 0.0003) and men (6% per year; p = 0.0004) over the 12 years. There were 229 hip fractures (175 in women and 54 in men) within 39,357 person-years of observation. The overall rate +/- SE of hip fracture was 759 +/- 57 per 100,000 person-years in women and 329 +/- 45 per 100,000 person-years in men, with an exponential increase with age. With advancing age, the incidence rate of hip fractures in men approached that in women; the female:male ratio fell from 4.5 (95% CI: 1.3-15.7) to 1.5 (0.9-2.5) and 1.9 (1.2-2.8) in the 60-69, 70-79, and 80+ year age groups, respectively. In women, the absolute number of fractures and incidence rate continuously increased with age; however, in men, the absolute number of hip fractures peaked at 80-84 years of age and then decreased. Most importantly, despite the continuing increase with age, almost one-half (48%) of the hip fractures occurred before the age of 80 years in men, and 66% of hip fractures occurred before the age of 85 years in women. The overall hip fracture incidence is comparable with other white (except Sweden) and Asian groups as well as two other Australian studies. This study could not exclude a change in hip fracture incidence rate, even in those 80 years of age and over among whom the incidence of hip fractures was the highest. The incidence data highlight the fact that a large proportion of hip fractures occurs in those under 80 years of age, particularly in men. This age distribution underlines the need for earlier intervention in osteoporosis in women and particularly in men to achieve the most cost-effective outcomes.     

Incidence of hip fracture in Kermanshah, Iran

Summary

The aim of this study was to estimate the incidence of hip fracture in Kermanshah, Iran. 161 cases (88 men and 73 women) were recorded. The annual age-standardized incidence rates were 181.1/100,000 in men and 214.6/100,000 in women. Incidence rate of hip fracture was less than in Western countries.

Introduction

Hip fracture is the most serious complication of osteoporosis, the most common metabolic bone disease worldwide. The incidence of hip fracture in the elderly patients varies in different areas. The aim of this study was to estimate the incidence rate of hip fracture in Kermanshah, Iran.

Materials and methods

All cases of hip fracture patients who aged 50 years or more admitted in six referral orthopedic hospitals in Kermanshah from May 21, 2007 to May 21, 2008 were studied. The age- and sex-specific incidence rates of hip fracture per 100,000 persons were calculated using the population data from the last national census in Iran, 2007.

Results

A total of 161 cases of hip fracture (88 men and 73 women) were recorded. The annual age-standardized incidence rates were 181.1/100,000 in men and 214.6/100,000 in women. The female to male ratio of hip fracture incidence was 1.18.

Conclusion

We found a relatively low incidence of hip fracture in Iran than in Western countries, which is mostly due to the lower rate in women. This is probably related to the different lifestyle factors in different societies.     

Contributions of bone density and structure to fracture risk assessment in men and women

Although bone mineral density (BMD) is a strong predictor of fractures, it is only a surrogate for bone strength. Bone structural parameters can now be measured on BMD scans, but it is unclear whether they would be more useful for risk assessment. We measured structural parameters using the Hip Structural Analysis Program and evaluated their association, compared with standard hip BMD, with fracture risk in a population-based sample of 213 postmenopausal women and 200 men 50 years of age. Altogether, 38% of the women and 27% of the men had experienced a fracture due to moderate trauma (half involved hip, spine or distal forearm), while 23% and 36%, respectively, had a previous fracture due to severe trauma. In logistic regression analyses adjusted for age, the hip BMD and structural parameters were all associated with moderate trauma fractures generally, and osteoporotic fractures specifically, in women, but the best predictor in a multivariate model was femoral neck BMD (odds ratio [OR], 2.8; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.9–4.0). BMD and the structural parameters were strongly correlated, however, and could be interchanged with little reduction in predictive power. These variables were less predictive of moderate trauma fractures in men. The best model included age (OR per 10 years, 1.5; 95% CI, 1.1–2.1), femoral neck section modulus (OR, 1.6; 95% CI, 1.1–2.5) and intertrochanteric buckling ratio (OR, 1.6; 95% CI, 1.3–2.0). Correction for body size did not alter these relationships. Fractures due to severe trauma were best predicted by structural parameters: in women, femoral neck buckling ratio (OR, 1.2; 95% CI, 1.04–1.5) and, in men, intertrochanteric buckling ratio (OR, 1.4; 95% CI, 1.2–1.6). These data suggest that selected structural variables as assessed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry would be as good as standard BMD measurements for predicting fracture risk. Because of the strong correlations, however, some judgment can be used in selecting the variables easiest to measure.     

Time trends of age-adjusted incidence rates of first hip fractures: a register-based study among older people in Viborg County, Denmark, 1987–1997

Introduction A retrospective cohort study was performed to investigate if incidence rates of first hip fractures are changing in a Danish county. Study material was obtained from an excerpt from a computerized national health register and covers the period 1987–1997. Methods First hip fractures were identified through a search 10 years back from the date of admission. To assess the 20-year trend, 1978 data were included. The study period saw inclusion of 3,036 first (1987–1997) and 122 first and recurrent (1978) hip fracture patients aged 50 years and older. Data were analyzed using weighted regression analysis. Results Age-adjusted first hip fracture incidence rates increased significantly (P<0.001) for women, men, and pertrochanteric fractures. The rate of increase was 18 [95% confidence interval (CI), 12–25], 8 (95% CI, 4–12), and 10 (95% CI, 7–12) per 100,000 per year for women, men, and pertrochanteric fractures, respectively. The age-adjusted rate for both genders combined was 425 per 100,000 in 1997 (95% CI, 380–470). The incidence of cervical fractures was stable. If the rates of 1978 were included in the analysis, the cervical hip fractures also increased (P<0.001). The weighted average of female–male ratio was a stable 2.6 (95% CI, 2.4–2.8). Cervical–pertrochanteric ratio dropped to 1.2:1 (P<0.001). Mean age at admission rose from 78.9 to 80.8 years. Conclusion In conclusion, the results provided support for an increasing incidence of first hip fractures, even when aging of the population was accounted for.     

Low bone mineral density,grip strength and skinfold thickness are important risk factors for hip fracture in Hong Kong Chinese

The purpose of the study was to compare the bone mineral density (BMD) at the hip and spine, the grip strength and the skinfold thickness in Chinese hip fracture patients and controls, and to document the relative risk of hip fracture associated with different levels of these risk factors. The study was conducted on 163 elderly patients with hip fracture (32 men and 131 women) and 317 controls (104 men and 213 women). BMD at the hip and spine was measured by dual-energy X-ray densitometry (Norland NR26). The mean grip strength was measured in both hands by a hand dynamometer; and bicep, tricep and iliac skinfold thicknesses were measured by a caliper (Holstain). Student'st-test was used to compare the mean bone densities, recalled body weight, grip strength and skinfold thickness; and multiple logistic regression was used to calculate the relative risk and 95% confidence intervals in quartiles of bone density, grip strength and skinfold thickness. In women, the mean BMD and anthropometric measurements were significantly lower in patients than controls. However, in men the mean recalled body weight and measured skinfold thickness were not significantly different between patients and controls. In both men and women the relative risk of hip fracture increased significantly with diminishing bone density at the spine, femoral neck and intertrochanteric area, but not at the Ward's triangle. In women the relative risk of hip fracture also increased significantly with a low recalled body weight, grip strength and skinfold thickness. The relative risk of hip fracture in the lowest quartiles compared with the highest quartiles was 4.3 (95% CI 2.3–9.0) for BMD at the femoral neck, 9.7 (95% CI 4.6–20.6) for iliac skinfold thickness and 2.0 (95% CI 4.6–20.6) for grip strength. The results of multiple logistic regression shows that a low iliac skin fold thickness was associated with a higher risk of hip fracture than grip strength and BMD in women, but not in men. It is concluded that low BMD is a significant risk factor for hip fracture in elderly Chinese living in Hong Kong; however, poor muscle strength and lack of subcutaneous fat are as important.     

The incidence and risk of hip fracture in Poland

Summary  This study determined the incidence and probability of hip fractures in Poland based on verified hospital discharge notes from all of Poland. In the over-50-year-old population, hip fracture incidence was found to be 89/100,000 for men and 156/100,000 for women. Poland is among the countries with the lowest hip fracture risk in Europe. Introduction  It is recommended that intervention thresholds should be based on an assessment of absolute fracture risk. Probability of hip fracture is calculated from the incidence of hip fracture in a given population and the incidence of death. The aim of this study was to determine the incidence and the absolute risk of hip fracture for men and women in Poland. Methods  The study was based on National Health Fund data from all of Poland for the year 2005. Hospital discharge notes reporting an incident fracture were identified from among all those containing a matching ICD code. Lifetime and 10-year fracture probabilities were calculated taking into account the mortality risk and BMD. Results  In 2005, there were 17,625 hip fractures diagnosed in Poland which was 30.2% less than the number of hospital discharge notes containing such a diagnosis in that year. In the over-50-year-old population, hip fracture incidence was found to be 89/100,000 for men and 165/100,000 for women. In the 50–65-year band, hip fracture incidence was higher in men than in women. The remaining lifetime probability of hip fracture at the age of 50 years was 2.0% for men and 4.5% for women which are among the lowest in Europe. Conclusion  Hip fracture incidence and thus the probability of hip fracture risk in Poland is amongst the lowest in Europe. The authors recommend establishing a standard method for determining hip fracture incidence in a given country in order to standardize data. Funding  None of the authors has received or will receive any compensation in relation to this study.     

Impact of Hip Fracture on Mortality: A Cohort Study in Hip Fracture Discordant Identical Twins

Several studies have shown a long‐lasting higher mortality after hip fracture, but the reasons for the excess risk are not well understood. We aimed to determine whether a higher mortality after hip fracture exists when controlling for genetic constitution, shared environment, comorbidity, and lifestyle by use of a nationwide cohort study in hip fracture discordant monozygotic twins. All 286 identical Swedish twin pairs discordant for hip fracture (1972 to 2010) were identified. Comorbidity and lifestyle information was retrieved by registers and questionnaire information. We used intrapair Cox regression to compute multivariable‐adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) for death. During follow‐up, 143 twins with a hip fracture died (50%) compared with 101 twins (35%) without a hip fracture. Through the first year after hip fracture, the rate of death increased fourfold in women (HR = 3.71; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.32–10.40) and sevenfold in men (HR = 6.67; 95% CI 1.47–30.13). The increased rate in women only persisted during the first year after hip fracture (HR after 1 year = 0.99; 95% CI 0.66–1.50), whereas the corresponding HR in men was 2.58 (95% CI 1.02–6.62). The higher risk in men after the hip fracture event was successively attenuated during follow‐up. After 5 years, the hazard ratio in men with a hip fracture was 1.19 (95% CI 0.29–4.90). On average, the hip fracture contributed to 0.9 years of life lost in women (95% CI 0.06–1.7) and 2.7 years in men (95% CI 1.7–3.7). The potential years of life lost associated with the hip fracture was especially pronounced in older men (>75 years), with an average loss of 47% (95% CI 31–61) of the expected remaining lifetime. We conclude that both women and men display a higher mortality after hip fracture independent of genes, comorbidity, and lifestyle. © 2014 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.     

The association between osteoporotic fractures and health-related quality of life as measured by the Health Utilities Index in the Canadian Multicentre Osteoporosis Study (CaMos)

Osteoporotic fractures can be a major cause of morbidity. It is important to determine the impact of fractures on health-related quality of life (HRQL). A total of 3,394 women and 1,122 men 50 years of age and older, who were recruited for the Canadian Multicentre Osteoporosis Study (CaMos), participated in this cross-sectional study. Minimal trauma fractures of the hip, pelvis, spine, lower body (included upper and lower leg, knee, ankle, and foot), upper body (included arm, elbow, sternum, shoulder, and clavicle), wrist and hand (included forearm, hand, and finger), and ribs were studied. Participants with subclinical vertebral deformities were also examined. The Health Utilities Index Mark II and III Systems were used to assess HRQL. Past osteoporotic fractures varied in prevalence from 1.2% (pelvis) to 27.8% (lower body) in women and 0.3% (pelvis) to 29.3% (wrist) in men. Multivariate linear regression analyses [parameter estimates and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI)] indicated that minimal trauma fractures were negatively associated with HRQL and that this relationship depends on fracture type and gender. The multi-attribute scores for the Mark II system were negatively related to hip (–0.05; 95% CI: –0.09, –0.01), lower body (–0.02; 95% CI: –0.03, –0.000), and subclinical vertebral fractures (–0.02; 95% CI: –0.03, –0.00) for women. The multi-attribute scores for the Mark III system were negatively related to hip (–0.09; 95% CI: –0.14, –0.03) and rib fractures (–0.06; 95% CI: –0.11, –0.00) for women, and rib fractures (–0.06; 95% CI: –0.12, –0.00) for men. In conclusion, this study demonstrates a negative association between osteoporotic fractures and quality of life in both women and men.This study was conducted in conjunction with other members of the CaMOS Research Group.     

Trends in Fracture Incidence: A Population‐Based Study Over 20 Years

To assess recent trends in fracture incidence from all causes at all skeletal sites, we used the comprehensive (inpatient and outpatient) data resources of the Rochester Epidemiology Project to estimate rates for Olmsted County, MN, USA, residents in 2009 to 2011 compared with similar data from 1989 to 1991. During the 3‐year study period, 2009 to 2011, 3549 residents ≥50 years of age experienced 5244 separate fractures. The age‐ and sex‐adjusted (to the 2010 US white population) incidence of any fracture was 2704 per 100,000 person‐years (95% confidence interval [CI] 2614 to 2793) and that for all fractures was 4017 per 100,000 (95% CI 3908 to 4127). Fracture incidence increased with age in both sexes, but age‐adjusted rates were 49% greater among the women. Overall, comparably adjusted fracture incidence rates increased by 11% (from 3627 to 4017 per 100,000 person‐years; p = 0.008) between 1989 to 1991 and 2009 to 2011. This was mainly attributable to a substantial increase in vertebral fractures (+47% for both sexes combined), which was partially offset by a decline in hip fractures (?25%) among the women. There was also a 26% reduction in distal forearm fractures among the women; an increase in distal forearm fractures among men aged 50 years and over was not statistically significant. The dramatic increase in vertebral fractures, seen in both sexes and especially after age 75 years, was attributable in part to incidentally diagnosed vertebral fractures. However, the fall in hip fracture incidence, observed in most age groups, continues the steady decline observed among women in this community since 1950. More generally, these data indicate that the dramatic increases in the incidence of fractures at many skeletal sites that were observed decades ago have now stabilized. © 2014 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.     

Increasing hip fracture incidence in California Hispanics, 1983 to 2000

Background: Hip fracture incidence in non-Hispanic whites (NHW) has decreased nationwide for the past 20 years. Little is known regarding hip fracture incidence among Hispanics, the largest, fastest growing minority in the United States. Objective: To assess the change in standardized hip fracture incidence from 1983 through 2000 in California Hispanics relative to other racial groups. Design: Hospitalizations for individuals older than 55 years with hip fracture requiring repair in acute care hospitals. Annual population estimates based on US Census Bureau estimates. Incidence standardized to national gender-age strata. Change in annual incidence calculated by weighted linear regression with robust variance estimates. Results: 372,078 hip fractures were identified. Age-adjusted annual incidence of hip fractures declined by 0.74% per year among women (655 to 568 per 100,000), but was unchanged among men (247 to 238 per 100,000). Among NHW women, the standardized annual incidence fell by 0.6% (4.0 fractures per 100,000) per year. Annual incidence among Hispanic women increased 4.9% (11.1 fractures per 100,000) per year. Annual incidence among Hispanic men increased by 4.2% (4.5 fractures per 100,000) per year and among NHW men by 0.5% (1.2 fractures per 100,000) per year. No significant change occurred among black or Asian women or men. Conclusions: Among California women, hip fracture incidence has doubled among Hispanics since 1983, while remaining unchanged or declining in other groups. Greater attention should be given to identification of individuals at risk for hip fracture and initiation of preventive measures in Hispanic populations.     

Forearm Fractures as Predictors of Subsequent Osteoporotic Fractures

To assess the ability of distal forearm fractures to predict future fractures, we conducted a population-based retrospective cohort study among the 1288 residents (243 men, 1045 women) of Rochester, Minnesota age 35 years or older who experienced their first distal forearm fracture in 1975–94. During 9664 person-years of follow-up, 548 patients experienced 1109 subsequent fractures, excluding 195 that occurred on the same day as the index forearm fracture. The cumulative incidence of any subsequent fracture was 55% by 10 years and 80% by 20 years following the initial distal forearm fracture. Compared to expected fracture rates in the community, the risk of a hip fracture following the index forearm fracture was increased 1.4-fold in women (95% CI, 1.1–1.8) and 2.7-fold in men (95% CI, 0.98–5.8). In women, the risk of hip fracture differed by age, as we had found in a previous study. Women over age 70 had a 1.6-fold increase (95% CI, 1.2–2.0) in subsequent hip fracture risk whereas women who sustained their first forearm fracture before age 70 years did not have significantly increased risk. By contrast, vertebral fractures were significantly increased at all ages, with a 5.2-fold increase (95% CI, 4.5–5.9) in risk among women and a 10.7-fold increase (95% CI, 6.7–16.3) among men following a first distal forearm fracture. The increased risk in men suggests that a sentinel forearm fracture should not be ignored. Among the women, we also found a missed opportunity for intervention as hormone replacement therapy was underutilized. Received: 8 May 1998 / Accepted: 16 October 1998     

Body mass index as a predictor of fracture risk: A meta-analysis

Low body mass index (BMI) is a well-documented risk factor for future fracture. The aim of this study was to quantify this effect and to explore the association of BMI with fracture risk in relation to age, gender and bone mineral density (BMD) from an international perspective using worldwide data. We studied individual participant data from almost 60,000 men and women from 12 prospective population-based cohorts comprising Rotterdam, EVOS/EPOS, CaMos, Rochester, Sheffield, Dubbo, EPIDOS, OFELY, Kuopio, Hiroshima, and two cohorts from Gothenburg, with a total follow-up of over 250,000 person years. The effects of BMI, BMD, age and gender on the risk of any fracture, any osteoporotic fracture, and hip fracture alone was examined using a Poisson regression model in each cohort separately. The results of the different studies were then merged. Without information on BMD, the age-adjusted risk for any type of fracture increased significantly with lower BMI. Overall, the risk ratio (RR) per unit higher BMI was 0.98 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.97–0.99) for any fracture, 0.97 (95% CI, 0.96–0.98) for osteoporotic fracture and 0.93 (95% CI, 0.91–0.94) for hip fracture (all p <0.001). The RR per unit change in BMI was very similar in men and women ( p >0.30). After adjusting for BMD, these RR became 1 for any fracture or osteoporotic fracture and 0.98 for hip fracture (significant in women). The gradient of fracture risk without adjustment for BMD was not linearly distributed across values for BMI. Instead, the contribution to fracture risk was much more marked at low values of BMI than at values above the median. This nonlinear relation of risk with BMI was most evident for hip fracture risk. When compared with a BMI of 25 kg/m², a BMI of 20 kg/m² was associated with a nearly twofold increase in risk ratio (RR=1.95; 95% CI, 1.71–2.22) for hip fracture. In contrast, a BMI of 30 kg/m², when compared with a BMI of 25 kg/m², was associated with only a 17% reduction in hip fracture risk (RR=0.83; 95% CI, 0.69–0.99). We conclude that low BMI confers a risk of substantial importance for all fractures that is largely independent of age and sex, but dependent on BMD. The significance of BMI as a risk factor varies according to the level of BMI. Its validation on an international basis permits the use of this risk factor in case-finding strategies.     

The Effect of Latitude on the Risk and Seasonal Variation in Hip Fracture in Sweden

Although the optimal requirement of vitamin D for skeletal health in the general community is controversial, vitamin D deficiency impairs bone mineralization and increases bone turnover via secondary hyperparathyroidism, thus accelerating bone loss and increasing fracture risk. Support for a role of vitamin D deficiency in the epidemiology of hip fracture is found in the seasonal variation of hip fracture incidence that is reported in several studies. If the association were causal, then the incidence and amplitude of the seasonal variation in hip fracture risk should vary by latitude. We addressed this hypothesis by examining the incidence of hip fracture in men and women aged 50 years or more from Sweden (latitudes 55 to 69°) between 1987 and 2009. In order to reduce double counting, only one fracture in a period of a year was counted per individual. Men contributed 104,888 fractures in 33,313,065 person years and women 264,362 fractures in 38,387,660 person years. The effects of season and latitude were examined by Poisson regression. As expected, hip fracture rates were higher in women than in men. After adjustment for age, season and population density, hip fracture incidence increased by 3.0% (95% CI: 2.7–3.2%) per degree increase in latitude for men and by 1.9% (95% CI: 1.8–2.1%) for women. There was a marked seasonal variation of hip fracture with the highest risk in February and lower by 37.5% in men and by 23.5% women during the summer. There were significant interactions of amplitude of the seasonal variation with latitude (p < 0.001 for both men and women), indicating that seasonal variation during the year was more pronounced in the north of Sweden than in the south. The associations found with latitude and season is consistent with a role of vitamin D in hip fracture causation. © 2014 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.