[Epidemiology of the osteoporotic fracture of the hip in the province of Palencia].

BACKGROUND

Hip fracture is the most severe consequence of osteoporosis. The aim of the present study was to know the incidence of osteoporotic hip fracture in the Palencia province, its direct economical consequences and characteristics associated with the origin episode.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

All patients aged over 49 years who had a nontraumatic hip fracture during the second semester of 1994 and the first semester of 1995 were included in the study. An analysis of costs was performed and each patient received a questionnaire to know the circumstances associated with the episode.

RESULTS

During the study period the overall incidence of hip fracture was 83/100,000 inhabitants/year, which corresponds to an adjusted incidence of 240.9/100,000 inhabitants older than 49 years (336.8 women and 120.7 men). There was an exponential growth, with peak values starting at 80 years. The female/male ratio was 2.8 and the mean age 80.8 years. Twenty-four percent of fractures occurred in institutionalized persons, with an adjusted incidence of 1,107/100,000 inhabitants/year, which corresponds to a relative risk of 13.57 (95% CI: 10.06-18.28). No significant differences were observed between trochanteric and neck fractures. Ninety-seven percent of fractures occurred after a fall, usually in the morning or afternoon (86%), with lateral direction and impact on the greater trochanter (89%). The mortality rate during admission was 5.9%. The mean cost of care during admission was 1,170,000 pesetas.

CONCLUSIONS

The incidence of hip fracture in Palencia is slightly higher than the national mean, probably due to populational ageing. The risk of fracture reaches alarming proportions in the institutionalized population. The implementation of efficient preventive measures, particularly among the exposed populations, is necessary.