[Strongly increasing incidence of hip fractures in Denmark from 1977 to 1999].

INTRODUCTION

The incidence of hip fractures has been increasing throughout the world including the Nordic countries. The aim of this study was to examine if there is a similar trend in Denmark.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Statistics from the National Hospital Discharge Register on the number of patients with at least one occurrence of hip fracture in the years 1977 to 1999 compared to the number of inhabitants in Denmark (numbers from Statistics Denmark).

RESULTS

The total number of patients with at least one hip fracture increased from approximately 6,500 in 1977 to approximately 11,000 in 1999. Since approximately 1995 the number has been relatively stable. The largest absolute increase was among women (from 4,800 to 9,000 per year), while a smaller absolute but large relative increase was seen among men (from approximately 1,600 to 3,200 per year). The incidence rates increased among men below the age of 50 years, while a more moderate increase was observed among women below the age of 50. The incidence rates remained relatively stable among men and women aged 50 to 69 years, while a limited increase was observed among women aged 70 to 79 years. Among men and women above the age of 80, the incidence rates increased until approximately 1992, followed by stagnation.

CONCLUSION

The number of hip fractures increased up to approximately 1995 in Denmark followed by stagnation. In view of the large number of hip fractures, a multi-pronged strategy including general practice, primary nursing care, nursing homes, orthopaedic surgeons, and medical specialties is needed in order to reduce the number of hip fractures.