The impact of decreasing U.S. hip fracture rates on future hip fracture estimates

Summary

We examined age- and sex-specific hip fracture hospitalization rates among people aged 65 and older using 1990–2010 National Hospital Discharge Survey data. Trends calculated using Joinpoint regression analysis suggest that future increases in hip fractures due to the aging population will be largely offset by decreasing hip fracture rates among women. However, this trend will be counterbalanced by rising numbers of hip fractures among men.

Introduction

From 1990 to 2006, age-adjusted U.S. hip fracture rates among people aged 65 years and older declined significantly. We wanted to determine whether decreasing age group-specific hip fracture rates might offset increases in hip fractures among the aging population over the next two decades.

Methods

This study used data from the National Hospital Discharge Survey, a national probability survey of inpatient discharges from nonfederal U.S. hospitals, to analyze hip fracture hospitalizations, defined as cases with first diagnosis coded ICD-9 CM 820. We analyzed trends in rates by sex and 10-year age groups using Joinpoint analysis software and used the results and projected population estimates to obtain the expected number of hip fractures in 2020 and 2050.

Results

Based on current age- and sex-specific trends in hip fracture hospitalization rates, the number of hip fractures is projected to rise 11.9 %—from 258,000 in 2010 to 289,000 (Projection Interval [PI]?=?193,000–419,000) in 2030. The number of hip fractures among men is expected to increase 51.8 % (PI?=?15.9–119.4 %) while the number among women is expected to decrease 3.5 % (PI?=??44.3–37.3 %). These trends will affect the future distribution of hip fractures among the older population.

Conclusions

Although the number of older people in the U.S.A. will increase appreciably over the next 20 years, the expected increase in the total number of hip fractures will be largely offset by decreasing hip fracture rates among women. However, this trend will be counterbalanced by rising numbers of hip fractures among men.     

Sex- and age-specific incidence of non-traumatic fractures in selected industrialized countries

Summary

Various methodological approaches have estimated the incidence of osteoporosis-related fractures, making comparisons difficult. This study estimated the incidence rates of non-traumatic fractures in 12 countries using standard definitions. Applying these rates to the 2010 population figures of these countries, a total of 5.2 million non-traumatic fractures were estimated, mostly in women.

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to estimate annual country-, sex-, and age-specific incidence of non-traumatic hip, vertebral, and other fractures for women aged ??50 and men ??60?years and the number of fractures expected in 12 countries based on these incidence rates.

Methods

Electronically indexed medical literature and relevant web sites were reviewed to identify studies reporting age- and sex-specific fracture incidence rates to obtain estimates of the proportion of fractures considered to be non-traumatic and to gather relevant census data. From these data, we extrapolated to estimate the number of fractures in 12 countries in North America, Europe, Japan, and Australia.

Results

Annual non-traumatic hip fracture incidence rates were highest for women in Sweden, Denmark, and Finland. In women, vertebral fractures were more common than hip fractures. The incidence of vertebral fractures was highest among Scandinavian and Canadian women. In men, Scandinavians had the highest incidence of hip fractures, while Australian men had the highest incidence of vertebral fractures. Hip and vertebral fracture incidence increased steeply with age for both women and men. Age appears to exert less influence on the incidence of fractures at sites other than hip and vertebrae. In 2010, 5.2 million non-traumatic fractures were expected in the 12 countries studied, of which 2.8 million were at the hip or spine. Women accounted for most of the total non-traumatic fracture burden (77?%).

Conclusions

Non-traumatic fractures pose a significant burden, affecting millions of women and men in countries around the world each year.     

Continuous decline in incidence of hip fracture: nationwide statistics from Finland between 1970 and 2010

Summary

We determined the current trend in the number and incidence of hip fracture among persons 50 years of age or older in Finland between 1970 and 2010. After a clear rise until the late 1990s, the incidence of hip fracture has continuously declined.

Introduction

Hip fractures are a major public health issue associated with excess morbidity and mortality. We determined the current trend in the number and incidence (per 100,000 persons) of hip fracture among older adults in Finland, an EU country with a well-defined Caucasian population of 5.4 million people.

Methods

We took into account all persons 50 years of age or older who were admitted to hospitals for primary treatment of hip fracture between 1970 and 2010.

Results

The number of hip fractures rose sharply till the end of 1990s (from 1,857 in 1970 to 7,122 in 1997), but since then, the rise has leveled off (7,594 fractures in 2010). Similarly, the age-adjusted incidence of hip fracture increased until 1997 but declined thereafter. The decline was especially clear in women whose age-adjusted incidence was 515.7 (per 100,000 persons) in 1997 but only 382.6 in 2010. In men, the corresponding incidence was 245.3 in 1997 and 210.7 in 2010. The number of hip fractures will increase 1.8-fold by 2030 even with the current 2010 incidence rates because the size of the 50-year-old or older population is likely to increase sharply in the near future.

Conclusions

The declining trend in the incidence of hip fracture in Finland has continued through the entire first decade of the new millennium. Reasons for this development are uncertain, but possible explanations include increased average body weight, improved functional ability among elderly Finns, and specific measures to prevent bone loss and reduce the risk of falling.     

An increase in the incidence of hip fractures in Tangshan,China

Summary

We determined the number and incidence of hip fractures in Tangshan, China, in 2010. Compared with data we reported in Tangshan from 1994, the crude and age-specific incidence increased significantly for both sexes, especially in women. Strategies are needed for effective fracture prevention in the future.

Introduction

The aims of the study were to determine the incidence of cervical and trochanteric fractures of the proximal femur in Tangshan, China, in 2010 and to compare the incidence with data from 1994.

Methods

The orthopedic departments of 15 hospitals in Tangshan were visited in 2010; the medical records and radiographs of patients who had sustained cervical and trochanteric fractures were reviewed. The absolute number of admissions was collated and the incidence rate per 100,000 person years was calculated, adjusted by different age ranges, and gender. We then calculated the age-standardized incidence in 2010 as compared with those from 1994.

Results

The population of Tangshan in 2010 was determined to be 3,075,382 (1,558,173 males; 1,517,209 females); there were 1,509 cervical and trochanteric fractures (in 745 males and 764 females). The overall incidence was 47.8 and 50.4 fractures per 100,000 per year for men and women, respectively. Females showed a higher fracture incidence than males in those aged 55 years and over. Comparing the 2010 data with the 1994 findings, the incidence increased by 85 % in men and by 306 % in women; age-specific increases were observed in all female and male groups (except the 55–59 years age group).

Conclusions

Compared with the results in 1994, the incidence of hip fracture has markedly increased in 2010 in Tangshan, China. It is necessary to implement a comprehensive policy for hip fracture prevention in our communities.     

Epidemiology of fractures in Iceland and secular trends in major osteoporotic fractures 1989–2008

Summary

The incidence of the most common fracture types in Iceland is reported based on individual data from the Reykjavik Study 1967–2008. Time trend is reported for the major osteoporotic fractures (MOS) 1989–2008.

Introduction

This study aims to assess the incidence of all fractures in Iceland, with emphasis on the rate of hip fractures, and compare the incidence with other populations as well as examine the secular changes.

Methods

Individuals from the prospective population-based cohort Reykjavik Study were examined between 1967 and 2008 (follow-up 26.5 years), which consisted of 9,116 men and 9,756 women born in 1907–1935, with age range 31–81 years. First fracture incidence was estimated using life table methods with age as the timescale.

Results

Fracture rate increased proportionally with age between the sexes for vertebral and proximal humerus but disproportionally for hip and distal forearm fractures. The ratio of first fracture incidence between the sexes varied considerably by site: 2.65 for hip fractures and the highest for distal forearm fractures at 4.83. By the age of 75, 36.7 % of women and 21 % of men had sustained a fracture, taking into account competing risk of death. The incidence of hip fractures was similar to results previously published from USA, Sweden, Norway, and Scotland. The incidence of MOS fractures in both sexes decreased over the last decade, except hip fractures in men, which remained unchanged, as reflected in the women/men ratio for the hip, which changed from 2.6 to 1.7.

Conclusion

This study adds information to scarce knowledge on the relative fracture incidence of different fractures. The incidence of MOS fractures increased in the latter part of the last century in both sexes and declined during the last decade, less dramatically for men. This information is important for planning health resources.     

Epidemiology of distal forearm fractures in Austria between 1989 and 2010

Summary

Only few studies have been published hitherto on country-specific incidence of distal forearm fracture. In the prevailing study, incidences were estimated, and trend analyses were performed for the entire Austrian population aged ≥50á. Incidence decreased significantly in women, but not in men, over the past 12 years of observation.

Introduction

To estimate incidence of distal forearm fracture and assess incidence trends in the entire Austrian population aged ≥50á from 1989–2010 for inpatient fractures and from 1999 to 2010 for all fractures.

Methods

The number of inpatient forearm fractures was obtained from the Austrian Hospital Discharge Register (AHDR) for the entire population aged ≥50á from 1989 to 2010. Total number of distal forearm fractures was modeled using patient-level data on 36,327 patients with distal forearm fractures. Crude and age-standardized incidence rates (cases per 100,000) were estimated in 5-year age intervals. To analyze the change in incidence over time, average annual changes expressed as incidence rate ratios (IRR) were calculated.

Results

For all distal forearm fractures, age-standardized incidence in women in 1999 and 2009 were estimated at 709 (95 % CI 675–743) and 607 (578–637), respectively. The age-standardized incidences in men the same years were estimated at 171 (156–185) and 162 (151–174), respectively. IRR analyses showed a significant decrease in women (?1.1 %, p?p?>?0.05) over the last 12 years (1999–2010).

Conclusion

Incidence of distal forearm fracture in the entire Austrian population is comparable to hip fracture incidence which is known to be among the highest worldwide. However, trend analyses reveal a significant decrease for all distal forearm fractures in women, but not in men, over the last 12 years.     

Changing trends in the epidemiology of hip fracture in Spain

Summary

Temporal trends in hip fracture incidence have recently been reported in some developed countries. Such data in Spain has previously been incomplete; this study reports the stratified incidence of hip fractures in people over 65 in Spain during the last 14 years.

Introduction

The main objective is to establish whether temporal trends in hip fracture incidence in Spain exist.

Methods

Ecological study with data from hospital discharges nationwide. The study includes patients aged ≥65 years during a 14-year period (1997–2010). The analysis compares two periods of four years: 1997–2000 (P1) and 2007–2010 (P2).

Results

There were 119,857 fractures in men and 415,421 in women. Comparing periods (P1 vs P2) over 10 years, the crude incidence rate/100,000 inhabitant/year increased an average of 2.3 %/year in men and 1.4 % in women. After adjustment, the rate increased an average of 0.4 %/year in men (p?<?0.0001), but decreased 0.2 %/year in women (p?<?0.0001). In men, younger than 85, the decrease was not significant except in 70–74 years, and from 80 years, the adjusted rate increases significantly (p?<?0.0001). In women under 80 years of age, the decrease in adjusted rate was significant; there was no change in 80–84 years, and the adjusted rate increased significantly in individuals 85 years and older (p?<?0.0001). Mortality rates declined by 22 % in both sexes, and the index of overaging population rises 30.1 % in men and 25.2 % in women.

Conclusions

This study supports other international studies by showing changes in the incidence of hip fractures after age-population adjustment, which denotes a decrease in the younger age groups and among women and shows an increase in both groups over 85 years. The increase in the crude incidence rate of hip fracture in Spain reflects changes in population structure.     

Incidence of hip fracture and prevalence of osteoporosis in Turkey: the FRACTURK study

Summary

The incidence of hip fractures in Turkey increased markedly from that reported in 1988/1989 so that FRAX® models for Turkey should be revised.

Introduction

The MEDOS study in 1988/1989 reported that men and women from Turkey had exceptionally low rates of hip fracture. The aim of the FRACTURK study was to estimate current and future hip fracture risks and the prevalence of osteoporosis in Turkey.

Methods

Hip fracture cases in 2009 were identified from interviews of a population-based sample of 26,424 residents aged 50 years or more in 12 different regions of Turkey and in two hospital surveys. Bone mineral density was evaluated by DXA in an age-stratified sample of 1,965 men and women.

Results

Hip fracture incidence in the community-based survey was similar to that in the hospital survey. The age-specific incidence in men and women was substantially higher than that reported for 1988/1989. At the age of 50 years, the remaining lifetime probability of a hip fracture was 3.5% in men and 14.6% in women. In 2009, there were approximately 24,000 hip fractures estimated in Turkey, 73% of which were found in women. Assuming no change in the age- and sex-specific incidence, the number of hip fractures was expected to increase to nearly 64,000 in 2035. The prevalence of osteoporosis at the femoral neck was 7.5% and 33.3% in men and women, respectively, aged 50 years or more.

Conclusion

Although Turkey is still among the countries with low hip fracture rates in Europe, the incidence has increased markedly in the last 20 years. This finding can be used to recalibrate fracture risk assessment models for Turkey.

     

Epidemiology of hip fractures in Zanjan, Iran

Summary

The aim of this study was to estimate the incidence of hip fracture in Zanjan, Iran and to describe its seasonal variation. A total of 244 cases of hip fractures (131 men, 113 women) were recorded during 1 year. The annual age-standardized incidence rates were 206.5 and 214.8 per 100,000 men and women, respectively. Most fractures occurred in winter, in-house and daytime. In-hospital mortality was 2.5%. Incidence rate of hip fracture (HF) was less than in western countries mostly due to lower incidence in women, which is probably because of breast-feeding.

Introduction

One of the most important consequences of osteoporosis is HF, which causes high mortality, morbidity, and significant costs. The incidence of HF in the elderly varies in different areas. Various incidence rates of HF have been reported from countries in the Middle East. The aim of this prospective study was to estimate the annual incidence of hip fracture in Zanjan, a province of Iran, and to describe the seasonal variation of HF incidence which has not been evaluated in two previous studies conducted in this country.

Materials and methods

All cases of HF aged 50 years or more admitted in three referral hospitals with orthopedics facilities in Zanjan province between 21 March 2006 and 20 March 2007 were subjected in the study. The age- and sex-specific incidence rates of hip fracture per 100,000 person-years were calculated using the population data from the last national census in Iran 2007.

Results

A total of 244 cases of hip fractures (131 men, 113 women) were recorded. The annual age-standardized incidence rate was 214.8 per 100,000 women and 206.5 per 100,000 men. The number (%) of fall-induced HF was 88 (67.2%) in men and 102 (90.3%) in women. The female to male ratio for total and fall-related HF was 1.0 and 1.1, respectively. The HF was more predominant in winter (38.5%). In-hospital mortality was 2.5%, and majority of HF were sustained in-house and daytime.

Conclusion

We found a relatively low incidence of hip fracture and fall-related hip fracture in Iran than those in western countries, which is mostly due to the lower rate in women. These findings disagree with our expectations considering the bone mineral density and vitamin D status of Iranian population, especially women. Breastfeeding could be one of the probable protective factors.     

Updated fracture incidence rates for the Italian version of FRAX®

Summary

In order to update data underlying the Italian version of FRAX, we computed the national hip fracture incidence in Italy from hospitalization records for the year 2008. Mortality data and 10-year probabilities of major osteoporotic fractures were also updated. This revision will improve FRAX accuracy and reliability.

Introduction

The original Italian version of FRAX® was based on five regional estimates of hip fracture risk undertaken up to 20 years previously. Our objective was to update hip fracture rates for the model with more recently derived data from the whole Italian population and more recent data on mortality.

Methods

We analyzed the Italian national hospitalization database for the year 2008 in order to compute age- and sex-specific hip fracture incidence rates. Re-hospitalisations of the same patients within 1 year were excluded from the analysis. Hip fracture incidence rates were computed for the age range of 40–100 years, whereas the original FRAX model lacked data on the youngest and oldest age groups. In addition, we used the national mortality data for the same year 2008 to update the model. Ten-year fracture probabilities were re-calculated on the basis of the new fracture incidence rates.

Results

The new hip fracture age- and sex-specific incidence rates were close to those used in the original FRAX tool, although some significant differences (not exceeding 25–30 %) were found for men aged 65–75 years and women under 55 years of age. In general, the revision resulted in decreased estimated 10-year probabilities in the younger age groups, whilst those in the older age groups were slightly increased.

Conclusions

The Italian version of FRAX has been updated using the new fracture incidence rates. The impact of these revisions on FRAX is likely to increase the accuracy and reliability of FRAX in estimating 10-year fracture probabilities.     

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.     

All-cause and cause-specific mortality after hip fracture among Chinese women and men

Summary

All-cause mortality risk persisted for 5 years after hip fractures in both men and women. There may be gender-specific differences in effect and duration of excess risk for cause-specific mortality after hip fracture.

Introduction

To determine all-cause and cause-specific mortality risk in the first 5 years after hip fracture in an Asian Chinese population.

Methods

The Singapore Chinese Health Study is a population-based cohort of 63,257 middle-aged and elderly Chinese men and women in Singapore recruited between 1993 and 1998. This cohort was followed up for hip fracture and death via linkage with nationwide hospital discharge database and death registry. As of 31 December 2008, we identified 1,166 hip fracture cases and matched five non-fracture cohort subjects by age and gender for each fracture case. Cox proportional hazards and competing risks regression models with hip fracture as a time-dependent covariate were used to determine all-cause and cause-specific mortality risk, respectively.

Results

Increase in all-cause mortality risk persisted till 5 years after hip fracture (adjusted hazard ratio, aHR = 1.58 [95 % CI, 1.35–1.86] for females and aHR = 1.64 [95 % CI, 1.30–2.06] for males). Men had higher mortality risk after hip fracture than women for deaths from stroke and cancer up to 1 year post-fracture but women with hip fracture had higher coronary artery mortality risk than men for 5 years post-fracture. Men had higher risk of death from pneumonia while women had increased risk of death from urinary tract infections. There was no difference in mortality risk by types of hip fracture surgery.

Conclusions

All-cause mortality risk persisted for 5 years after hip fractures in men and women. There are gender-specific differences in effect size and duration of excess mortality risk from hip fractures between specific causes of death.     

Epidemiology of fracture in the Russian Federation and the development of a FRAX model

Summary

The incidence of hip, forearm and humeral fractures was studied in two cities from the Russian Federation. Fracture rates were used to create a FRAX model for Russia and to estimate the current and future burden of fracture.

Purpose

There is scant information on the epidemiology of fracture in Russia. The aim of the study was to determine the incidence of major fractures in order to populate a new FRAX model and to characterise the burden and future burden of fractures.

Methods

The number of hip, forearm and humeral fractures was determined in two Russian cities with a well-defined catchment population over a 2?C3-year period. Incidence rates for the two cities were merged and used to populate a FRAX model for Russia. Incidence rates were also applied to the general population in 2010 and 25?years later in 2035.

Results

A total of 6,012 fractures were documented. For hip fracture, 27?% of cases in Pervouralsk and 1.8?% in Yaroslavl were not registered in the hospital data base. The incidence of index fractures increased with age and was higher in women than in men. The lifetime probability of hip fracture at the age of 50?years was 4?% in men and 7?% in women. The total number of hip fractures estimated in 2010 (112,000) is expected to rise to 159,000 in 2035. The estimated number of major fractures will rise from 590,000 to 730,000 over the same time interval.

Conclusions

Fragility fractures pose a serious health care problem in Russia. Urgent steps are needed to improve the acute management of hip fracture and long-term care of other osteoporotic fractures.     

Epidemiology of hip fractures in Austria: evidence for a change in the secular trend

Summary

Hip fracture incidence rates in Austria over a period of 20 years (1989–2008) were assessed. Age-standardized incidence rates increased until 2005 but decreased thereafter. This change in the secular trend was primarily driven by a decrease in hip fracture incidence in women.

Introduction

The aim of the prevailing study was to assess the incidence rates of hip fractures including changes in trend in the Austrian population over a period of 20 years (1989–2008).

Methods

The number of hip fractures was obtained from the Austrian Hospital Discharge Register for the entire population ≥50 years of age. A correction factor for multiple registrations of the same diagnosis was determined. Incidence rates (cases per 100,000) of hip fracture were calculated in 5-year age intervals. To analyze the overall change in hip fracture for the period, average annual change expressed as incidence rate ratios (IRRs) was calculated.

Results

The age-standardized incidence in women increased until 2005, from 493 to 642, and decreased thereafter. In men, it increased at a measured pace until 2006, from 192 to 280, and decreased thereafter with a slight rebound in 2008. The age-standardized incidence in the entire population increased until 2005, from 376 to 496, and decreased thereafter. The IRR for the last 3 years (2006–2008) was significantly below the IRR for the first 17 years (0.94, ρ?<?0.01), driven by a lower IRR in women (0.91, ρ?<?0.01) and to a lesser extent by a lower IRR (not statistically significant) in men (0.96, ρ?<?0.15).

Conclusion

The present study indicates that since 2006, age-standardized incidence of hip fractures has been declining in the Austrian population aged 50 years and above. This reversal in the secular trend has primarily been driven by a decrease in hip fracture incidence in women.     

Hospitalisations for fracture and associated costs between 2000 and 2009 in Ireland: a trend analysis

Summary

In Ireland, the absolute numbers of hospitalisations for all osteoporotic-type fractures including hip fractures increased between 2000 and 2009 along with the mean length of stay. The cost of hospitalisations for these fractures also increased between 2003 and 2008.

Introduction

The purposes of the study were to carry out a trend analyses of the total number of osteoporotic-type fractures in males and females aged 50 years and over in Ireland between 2000 and 2009 and to project the number of osteoporotic-type fractures in the Republic of Ireland expected by 2025.

Methods

Age- and gender-specific trends in the absolute numbers and direct age-standardised rates of hospitalisations for all osteoporotic-type fractures in men and women ≥50 years were analysed, along with the associated hospitalisation costs and length of stay using the Hospital In-Patient Enquiry system database. Future projections of absolute numbers of osteoporotic-type fractures in years 2015, 2020 and 2025 were computed based on the 2009 incidence rates applied to the projected populations.

Results

Between 2000 and 2009, the absolute numbers of all osteoporotic-type fractures increased by 12 % in females and by 15 % in males while the absolute numbers of hip fractures increased by 7 % in women and by 20 % in men. The age-specific rates for hip fractures decreased in all age groups with the exception of the 55–59-year age group which showed an increase of 4.1 % (p?=?0.023) within the study period. The associated hospitalisation costs and length of stay increased. Assuming stable age-standardised incidence rates from 2009 over the next 20 years, the number of all types of osteoporotic-type fractures is projected to increase by 79 % and the number of hip fractures is expected to increase by 88 % by 2025.

Conclusions

Hospitalisations for osteoporotic-type fractures continued to increase in Ireland. Hip fractures increased by 7 % in women and 20 % in men.     

Direct health-care costs attributed to hip fractures among seniors: a matched cohort study

Summary

Using a matched cohort design, we estimated the mean direct attributable cost in the first year after hip fracture in Ontario to be $36,929 among women and $39,479 among men. These estimates translate into an annual $282 million in direct attributable health-care costs in Ontario and $1.1 billion in Canada.

Introduction

Osteoporosis is a major public health concern that results in substantial fracture-related morbidity and mortality. It is well established that hip fractures are the most devastating consequence of osteoporosis, yet the health-care costs attributed to hip fractures in Canada have not been thoroughly evaluated.

Methods

We determined the 1- and 2-year direct attributable costs and cost drivers associated with hip fractures among seniors in comparison to a matched non-hip fracture cohort using health-care administrative data from Ontario (2004–2008). Entry into long-term care and deaths attributable to hip fracture were also determined.

Results

We successfully matched 22,418 female (mean age?=?83.3 years) and 7,611 male (mean age?=?81.3 years) hip fracture patients. The mean attributable cost in the first year after fracture was $36,929 (95 % CI $36,380–37,466) among women and $39,479 (95 % CI $38,311–$40,677) among men. These estimates translate into an annual $282 million in direct attributable health-care costs in Ontario and $1.1 billion in Canada. Primary cost drivers were acute and post-acute institutional care. Approximately 24 % of women and 19 % of men living in the community at the time of fracture entered a long-term care facility, and 22 % of women and 33 % of men died within the first year following hip fracture. Attributable costs remained elevated into the second year ($9,017 among women, $10,347 among men) for patients who survived the first year.

Conclusions

We identified significant health-care costs, entry into long-term care, and mortality attributed to hip fractures. Results may inform health economic analyses and policy decision-making in Canada.     

Mediterranean diet and incidence of hip fractures in a European cohort

Summary

Prevention of hip fractures is of critical public health importance. In a cohort of adults from eight European countries, evidence was found that increased adherence to Mediterranean diet, measured by a 10-unit dietary score, is associated with reduced hip fracture incidence, particularly among men.

Introduction

Evidence on the role of dietary patterns on hip fracture incidence is scarce. We explored the association of adherence to Mediterranean diet (MD) with hip fracture incidence in a cohort from eight European countries.

Methods

A total of 188,795 eligible participants (48,814 men and 139,981 women) in the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and nutrition study with mean age 48.6 years (±10.8) were followed for a median of 9 years, and 802 incident hip fractures were recorded. Diet was assessed at baseline through validated dietary instruments. Adherence to MD was evaluated by a MD score (MDs), on a 10-point scale, in which monounsaturated were substituted with unsaturated lipids. Association with hip fracture incidence was assessed through Cox regression with adjustment for potential confounders.

Results

Increased adherence to MD was associated with a 7 % decrease in hip fracture incidence [hazard ratio (HR) per 1-unit increase in the MDs 0.93; 95 % confidence interval (95 % CI)?=?0.89–0.98]. This association was more evident among men and somewhat stronger among older individuals. Using increments close to one standard deviation of daily intake, in the overall sample, high vegetable (HR?=?0.86; 95 % CI?=?0.79–0.94) and high fruit (HR?=?0.89; 95 % CI?=?0.82–0.97) intake was associated with decreased hip fracture incidence, whereas high meat intake (HR?=?1.18; 95 % CI?=?1.06–1.31) with increased incidence. Excessive ethanol consumption (HR high versus moderate?=?1.74; 95 % CI?=?1.32–2.31) was also a risk factor.

Conclusions

In a prospective study of adults, increased adherence to MD appears to protect against hip fracture occurrence, particularly among men.     

Albuminuria is associated with hip fracture risk in older adults: the cardiovascular health study

Summary

The microcirculation plays an important role in bone health. Here, we examine whether albuminuria, a marker of renal microvascular disease, is associated with the risk of hip fracture in older adults (age, 78 years). We find a small independent association in women but not in men.

Introduction

The microvascular circulation plays an important role in bone physiology. Two studies of middle-aged adults have found that albuminuria (>30 mg albumin/g creatinine), a disorder of the renal microvasculature, is associated with fracture risk. Here, we examine whether albuminuria is related to hip fracture risk and reduced hip bone mineral density (BMD) in older adults with a mean age of 78 years.

Methods

From the Cardiovascular Health Study (41 % male), 3,110 adults with albuminuria testing were followed up for incident hip fracture for up to 9.5 years. BMD was performed in a subset of 1,208 participants.

Results

There were 313 hip fractures during follow-up (7.7 % of men; 11.7 % of women). The incidence rate for men, with and without albuminuria, was 1.43 and 0.93/100 person-years of follow-up (p?=?0.02); for women, 1.84 and 1.33 (p?=?0.04). After adjustment for osteoporosis-related factors, frailty and falling, a doubling of albuminuria was significantly associated with hip fracture risk in women (hazard ratio, 1.12, 95 % CI, 1.001–1.25), but not in men. In the subcohort with BMD measurement, increased urine albumin levels were significantly associated with decreased total hip BMD in men (?0.009 g calcium/cm² (?0.017, ?0.001); p?=?0.04), but not in women.

Conclusions

In older women, albuminuria is associated with a small, but statistically significant, increased risk of hip fracture independent of other explanatory factors. No such risk appears to be present in men, although their total hip BMD is lower in association with albuminuria.     

Continued decline in hip fracture incidence in Norway: a NOREPOS study

Summary

The previously reported decline in age-adjusted hip fracture rates in Norway during 1999–2008 continued after 2008. The annual number of hip fractures decreased in women and increased in men.

Introduction

Norway has among the highest hip fracture incidence rates ever reported despite previously observed declining rates from 1999 through 2008. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether this downward trend continued through 2013, and to compare gender-specific trends in 5 year age-groups during three time periods: 1999–2003, 2004–2008, and 2009–2013.

Methods

All hip fractures (cervical, trochanteric, and sub-trochanteric) admitted to Norwegian hospitals were retrieved. Annual age-standardized incidence rates of hip fracture per 10,000 person-years by gender were calculated for the period 1999–2013. Time trends were tested by age-adjusted Poisson regression.

Results

From 1999 through 2013 there were 140,136 hip fractures in persons aged 50 years and above. Age-adjusted hip fracture incidence rates declined by 20.4 % (95 % CI: 18.6–20.1) in women and 10.8 % (95 % CI: 7.8–13.8) in men, corresponding to an average annual age-adjusted decline of 1.5 % in women and 0.8 % in men. Except for the oldest men, hip fracture rates declined in all age-groups 70 years and older. The average annual number of fractures decreased in women (?0.3 %) and increased in men (+1.1 %).

Conclusions

During the past 15 years, hip fracture rates have declined in Norway. The forecasted growing number of older individuals might, however, cause an increase in the absolute number of fractures, with a substantial societal economic and public health burden.