Osteoporosis and fractures of the neck of the femur: some epidemiologic considerations.

The prevalence of osteoporosis in Jerusalem during the years 1967-71 was studied in a general population sample and in patients with fractures of the neck of the femur. Osteoporosis was determined by qualitative examination of lateral X-ray films of the lumbar spine. The prevalence of definite osteoporosis in a random population sample was 8.6%, and was higher in females (14.5%) than in males (2.9%). The prevalence of definite osteoporosis among 389 patients with fractures of the neck of the femur was 32.2%--37.8% in females and 17.4% in males. The results of this survey support the conclusion that osteoporosis plays an important role in the pathogenesis of fractures of the neck of the femur.