Rising incidence of fracture of the proximal femur.

Cases of fracture of the proximal femur in Oxford were recorded prospectively in 1983. The incidence was compared with rates obtained in the same population 27 years before. The earlier rates were validated against an independent source of data. After allowing for the rise in numbers of elderly people, the incidence was found to have doubled in both sexes and the increase was apparent at all ages. This study shows that the often-noted rise in numbers of fractures of the proximal femur is more than just a consequence of demographic change. The increases in the age-specific incidence must be due to changes in the aetiology of the fracture.