Sex and ethnic differences in hip fracture-related mortality in Texas, 1990 through 1998.

Hip fracture, the most serious complication of osteoporosis, is associated with considerable morbidity and mortality. Knowledge of hip fracture-related mortality rates by age, sex, and ethnicity as well as temporal changes in mortality are important for health planners to implement programs aimed at awareness and prevention of hip fractures. This study determines adjusted death rates in Texas by age, sex, and ethnic group from 1990 through 1998 and describes trends in mortality during the 9-year period. Upward trends in mortality were observed for both sexes in whites and blacks. Hispanics showed trends toward decreasing mortality rates. The highest mortality rates were observed in whites, predominantly in persons 80 years and older. Furthermore, rates in men by ethnic group consistently exceeded those in women. As the population ages, hip fractures are becoming a major public health problem in Texas that will likely increase unless fall prevention strategies and treatment of osteoporosis in elderly people are improved.