Fracture of neck of the femur: changing incidence.

From 1959 to 1977 the numbers of hospital admissions for fracture of the neck of the femur increased by a factor of 2.7. Detailed analysis of data from the Hospital In-Patient Enquiry for 1968-77 showed that the increase applied to both sexes and at all ages over 45. The true incidence rate increased in parallel with the admission rate, and only a small part of the increased number of admissions was explained by the increasing numbers of the elderly. The increasing incidence of fracture of the neck of the femur imposes great strain on hospital resources, particularly trauma and orthopaedic departments, and merits urgent investigation. An explanation for the increase might be that the experience of one demand-led condition characterises a greater need for health care among the elderly for other conditions.