Risk of Mortality Following Clinical Fractures

To examine the risk of mortality following all clinical fractures, we followed 6459 women age 55–81 years participating in the Fracture Intervention Trial for an average of 3.8 years. All fractures and deaths were confirmed by medical record or death certificate. Clinical fractures were fractures that came to medical attention. Fracture status was used as a time-dependent covariate in proportional hazards models. The 907 women who experienced a fracture were older, had lower bone mineral density and were more likely to report a positive fracture history. A total of 122 women died over the course of the study with 23 of these deaths occurring after a clinical fracture. The age-adjusted relative risk (95% confidence intervals) of dying following a clinical fracture was 2.15 (1.36, 3.42). This primarily reflected the higher mortality following a hip fracture, 6.68 (3.08, 14.52); and clinical vertebral fracture, 8.64 (4.45, 16.74). Results were similar after adjusting for treatment assignment, health status and specific common comorbidities. There was no increase in mortality following a forearm or other fracture (non-hip, non-wrist, non-vertebral fracture). In conclusion, clinical vertebral fractures and hip fractures are associated with a substantial increase in mortality among a group of relatively healthy older women. Received: 13 January 1999 / Accepted: 21 December 1999     

Mortality following surgery for undisplaced intracapsular hip fractures

PURPOSE: The aim of the study was to evaluate the mortality following the operative treatment of undisplaced subcapital fracture of the hip by internal fixation (with three lag screws) or hemiarthroplasty. METHODS: A prospective audit of all patients admitted with hip fracture was undertaken at the university hospital in Nottingham. An independent research assistant collected data on a standardised questionnaire. Mortality was calculated from data received from National office of Statistics allowing 100% 1-year follow up for mortality statistics. RESULTS: One hundred and sixty patients were admitted with undisplaced intracapsular fracture of the hip. Twenty-one patients had non-operative management and were excluded from the results. One hundred and thirty-nine patients had surgical treatment. Mean age of patients was 78 years. Twenty-nine patients had hemiarthroplasty and 110 patients underwent internal fixation of their fractures. There was no significant difference between the two groups for age, sex, mobility, residential status, co-morbidity and cognitive state. There was a significant difference in mortality between the two operated groups at 1 month and 1 year after the operation. Six patients (21%) died after hemiarthroplasty in the first month while there were only two (2%) deaths in the internal fixation group (P < 0.001). At 1 year from operation, 11 patients (38%) from the hemiarthroplasty group and 17 patients (16%) from the internal fixation group died (P = 0.0072). The re-operation rate within 1 year was higher for the internal fixation group (n = 8; 7.2%) than the hemiarthroplasty group (n = 1; 3%). CONCLUSIONS: There is significant increase in mortality when undisplaced intracapsular hip fractures are treated by hemiarthroplasty as compared to internal fixation and we would not recommend it for these fractures.     

Are annual fluctuations in hip fracture incidence dependent upon the underlying mortality rate?

There is substantial variation in hip fracture incidence rates from one year to the next. To determine whether this is related to varying mortality rates in the underlying population, we carried out an ecological analysis in Rochester and Olmsted County, Minnesota. In a given year, mortality in the general population was not related to hip fracture incidence nor did the fracture incidence rates influence the overall death rate. There was a negative correlation between hip fracture incidence and mortality in the preceding year among women, but not men; the trend was statistically significant among women less than 80 years of age. Both cervical and intertrochanteric hip fractures in women had a similar relationship to mortality in the population the year before. There was no consistent relationship between hip fracture incidence and mortality rates two or three years previously. Although many hip fractures occur in frail individuals near the end of life, patterns of mortality in the underlying population cannot account for the annual variation in hip fracture incidence.     

Mortality following combined fractures of the hip and proximal humerus

BACKGROUND Hip fractures and proximal humerus fractures are known to be associated with increased mortality, but the impact on mortality of combining these two common injuries is not well known.AIM To compare mortality, inpatient stay and discharge destination for patients with combined hip and proximal humerus fractures with those sustaining isolated hip fractures.METHODS Using the United Kingdom national hip fracture database, we identified all hip fracture patients over the age of 60 admitted to a single trauma unit from 2010-2016. Patients sustaining a proximal humerus fracture in addition to their hip fracture were identified using hospital coding data. We calculated the 30-d and one-year mortality for both the hip fracture cohort and the combined hip and proximal humerus fracture cohort. Other variables recorded included age, gender and whether the proximal humerus was treated with or without an operation.RESULTS We identified 4131 patients with hip fractures within the study period and out of those 40 had sustained both a hip and a proximal humerus fracture. Mean age in the hip fracture cohort was 80.9 years and in the combined fracture group 80.3 years. Out of the 40 patients in the combined group four were treated operatively. The 30-d mortality for our hip fracture cohort was 7.2% compared to the mortality of our combined cohort of 12.5%(P = 0.163). The one-year mortality for our hip fracture cohort was 26.4% compared to 40% for the combined fracture cohort(P = 0.038). We also found patients with combined injuries were less likely to return to their own home.CONCLUSION The 30-d and one-year mortality is higher for those patients who have sustained a combined hip and proximal humerus fracture when compared to those with a hip fracture alone.     

The outcome of intracapsular hip fracture fixation using the Targon Femoral Neck (TFN) locking plate system or cannulated cancellous screws: A comparative study involving 2004 patients

AimThis study compares the outcome of intracapsular hip fracture fixation using the Targon Femoral Neck (TFN) locking plate system with the standard fixation using cannulated cancellous screws (CCS).Patients and methodAnalyses of a prospectively collected data of all patients treated for intracapsular hip fractures using the TFN system and CCS at our department over a period of 28 years. Baseline characteristics and specific outcome measures where compared. The primary outcome measure was fracture revision during the 1st year. Secondary outcome measures were fracture complications, any revision surgery, mortality and mobility status at one year after surgery.ResultsA total of 2004 fractures were included, a third (n = 725, 36.2%) were treated using the TFN system. There were higher rates of non-union (19.5% vs 9.5%) and revision surgery (19% vs 9%) during the first year in the CCS cohort. Revision surgery was also higher in the same group during the whole of the follow-up period (22.2% vs 14.9%). The first year’s mortality rate was higher in the CCS cohort (21.1% vs 17.5%) but the reduction in mobility and mobility scores was the same in both cohorts.ConclusionThis study includes the largest cohort of cases treated for intracapsular hip fractures using the TFN system. It demonstrated that the TFN system was associated with lower rates of non-union, revisions and re-operations for any cause.     

In-hospital mortality following hip fracture care in southern Ontario

Background

The incidence of hip fractures is increasing within the aging population. We investigated the overall rate of in-hospital mortality following hip fracture and how this mortality rate compares across academic and community hospitals.

Methods

We reviewed prospectively collected data from 17 hospitals in southern Ontario as part of a project to evaluate a new streamlined clinical care pathway developed for acute care of elderly patients with hip fractures. We collected demographic data, prefracture living status, acute care mortality and time to surgery, and we compared these data between community and academic hospitals.

Results

Between March 2007 and February 2008, 2178 consecutive patients were admitted with a hip fracture to 13 community and 4 academic hospitals. The mean age was 79 years and 72% were women. The overall in-hospital mortality rate was 5.0%, with no difference between patients treated in academic versus community hospitals (p = 0.56). We found a greater rate of acute care in-hospital mortality for patients admitted from dependent-living facilities compared with those who were living independently (risk ratio 0.63, 95% confidence interval 0.42–0.96).

Conclusion

Acute care in-hospital mortality following hip fractures remains high and is consistent across academic and community hospitals. With the rising incidence of hip fractures, we need to improve the models of care for these patients to reduce mortality and to maximize functional outcomes while maintaining efficient use of limited health care resources.     

Characteristics and outcome in patients sustaining a second contralateral fracture of the hip

We compared 5341 patients with an initial fracture of the hip with 633 patients who sustained a second fracture of the contralateral hip. Patients presenting with a second fracture were more likely to be institutionalised, female, older, and have lower mobility and mental test scores. There was no significant difference between the two groups with regards to the change in the level of mobility or return to their original residence at one year follow-up. However, the mortality rate in the second fracture group was significantly higher at one year (31.6% vs 27.3%, p = 0.024). In two thirds of patients, the second fracture was in the same anatomical location as the first. In an analysis of 293 patients, approximately 70% of second fractures occurred within three years of the first. This is the largest study to investigate the outcome of patients who sustain a second contralateral hip fracture. Despite the higher mortality rate at one year, the outcome for surviving patients is not significantly different from those after initial hip fractures.     

Age-specific incidence of hip fracture in the elderly: A healthy decline

Hip fractures in the elderly are an important source of morbidity and mortality. The predicted increase in the number of hip fractures due to the increasing elderly population has not been universally observed. The purpose of this study was to examine the incidence of hip fractures over a twenty year period to determine if this rise is occurring in our region. All hip fractures from the unit over 20 years were identified. Population data for those over 65 in the catchment area of our hospital was acquired. The rate of fractures occurring each year relative to the population was determined. The results were split into age groups. There was a strong correlation between the population rise and number of fractures (p = 0.77). But there was no significant difference in the rate of fracture over time (p = 0.41). However, the average age at which fracture occurred increased by two years. In addition we show the overall trend in the rate of fractures decreases in the younger age groups and increases in the older age groups. Therefore, the predicted rapid increase in rate is not occurring. This probably reflects the strengthening of the economy in Ireland from the 1930’s onwards, leading to a healthier population.     

Age- and Gender-Specific Rate of Fractures in Australia: A Population-Based Study

There is little population-based data concerning fracture rates in Australia. We ascertained all fractures occurring during 2 years in adults aged 35 years and over residing within a defined region (population 218 000), representative of the Australian population. The major strength of this study is the comprehensive ascertainment of fractures, which was ensured by regular searches of the only two radiologic providers in the Geelong Osteoporosis Study region. Nevertheless, vertebral fractures are likely to be underestimated since our ascertainment relied on a clinical indication for a medical imaging procedure. Among those aged 35 – 55 years, the fracture rate (persons per 10 000/year) in men was about double the rate in women (65 vs 35). The fracture rate was almost 7 times higher in women over 60 years versus women less than 55 years of age. In contrast, the fracture rate in men over 60 years was only 50% higher than in men less than 55 years of age (72 vs 104). Fracture rates in women and men were highest at the hip (28 and 10 respectively), spine (21 and 7), distal forearm (Colles’) (18 and 4) and humerus (11 and 3), and were 3–4 times higher in women than men. These fractures accounted for 63% of all fractures in women and 32% in men. By contrast, the rate of lower leg and ankle fractures was less than 10 per 10 000 in both women and men and did not increase to the same extent with age. Hip fracture rates appear high, particularly among the older age strata, compared with retrospective ascertainment in other populations. In Australia, as in many other countries, there is an increasing longevity of the population. The number of women aged 90 years and over increased by 32% and the number of men of this age increased by 48% in the 5 years between the Australian national census of 1991 and 1996. Given stable fracture rates, the substantial health burden imposed by age-related fractures, particularly hip fractures, will continue to escalate in both women and men. Received: 6 October 1998 / Accepted: 16 February 1999     

Analysis of outcomes for surgically treated hip fractures in patients undergoing chronic hemodialysis

BACKGROUND: Hip fractures in patients with end-stage renal disease are associated with frequent complications. This study analyzed clinical outcomes for patients on chronic hemodialysis who sustained hip fractures and were treated with a variety of fracture repair methods. METHODS: Twenty-nine patients with thirty-two hip fractures were analyzed in three groups. Group 1 consisted of eleven hips in eleven patients with an intertrochanteric fracture that was treated with internal fixation; Group 2, thirteen hips in ten patients with a femoral neck fracture that was treated with screw fixation; and Group 3, eight hips in eight patients with a femoral neck fracture that was treated with hemiarthroplasty. The outcomes and early and late complications were recorded for each group. Survivorship analysis was performed, and the mortality and complication rates for the groups were compared. RESULTS: In Group 1, eight complications occurred in six hips and nonunion developed in five hips. In Group 2, sixteen complications developed in eleven hips. Union was achieved in two of the thirteen hips, nine hips had nonunion, and two hips had osteonecrosis develop. In Group 3, only one hip had early complications, there were no late complications, and three patients died. The mean duration of follow-up was twenty-three months, and the overall mortality rate was 45%. There were no significant differences among the groups with respect to the cumulative survival proportions. Regression analysis of age, sex, and total hemodialysis duration in relation to mortality risk revealed that only age had a significant influence on mortality (p = 0.019). CONCLUSIONS: Surgical treatment of hip fractures in patients with end-stage renal disease who are on chronic hemodialysis is associated with frequent complications and a high mortality rate. Osteosynthesis is an acceptable option for treating intertrochanteric fractures and nondisplaced femoral neck fractures, but displaced femoral neck fractures should be treated with hemiarthroplasty.     

Changing trends in the mortality rate at 1-year post hip fracture-a systematic review

BACKGROUND Traditionally, the mortality rate at 1-year post hip fracture was quoted as approximately 30% of all hip fractures. There have been recent improvements in hip fracture care in the main driven by national hip fracture registries with reductions in 30-d mortality rates reported.AIM To address recent 1-year post hip fracture mortality rates in the literature.METHODS Systematic literature review, national hip fracture registries/databases, local studies on hip fracture mortality, 5 years limitation(2013-2017), cohorts 100,studies in English. Outcome measure: Mortality rate at 1-year post hip fracture.RESULTS Recent 1-year mortality rates were reviewed using the literature from 8 National Registries and 36 different countries. Recently published 1-year mortality rates appear lower than traditional figures and may represent a downward trend.CONCLUSION There appears to be a consistent worldwide reduction in mortality at 1-year post hip fracture compared to previously published research. Globally, those which suffer hip fractures may currently be benefiting from the results of approximately 30 years of national registries, rigorous audit processes and international collaboration. The previously quoted mortality rates of 10% at 1-mo and 30% at 1-year may be outdated.     

The effect of vertebral fracture as a risk factor for osteoporotic fracture and mortality in a Spanish population

There is little data concerning the morbidity, mortality, and epidemiology of vertebral fracture. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of prevalent and incident vertebral fractures as risk factors for further osteoporotic fractures and mortality. The study was performed on a cohort of 316 women and 308 men older than 50 belonging to the EVOS study, randomly selected from our city register. At the beginning of the study and 4 years later, lateral dorsal and lumbar X-rays were performed. In addition, evaluation of the incidence of osteoporotic nonvertebral fractures was performed throughout 8 years. The incidence of all osteoporotic fractures was higher in women than in men (two-fold increase in vertebral fracture incidence and five-fold increase in Colles' and femur incidence). Vertebral fracture was a strong risk factor for a new vertebral fracture [RR=4.7 (1.8-11.9)], hip fracture [RR=6.7 (2.0-22.7)] and Colles' fracture [RR=3.0 (1.1-7.8)]. Prevalent and incident vertebral fractures were associated with a higher risk of having a hip fracture [RR=10.0 (2.0-50.2)] and Colles' fracture [RR=5.5 (1.3-23.4)]. In addition, in women, the vertebral fracture was associated with a higher mortality. By contrast, no association was found in men. These results demonstrate the association between a previous vertebral fracture with increments in the incidence of osteoporotic fractures of any type. In addition, we found a significantly higher mortality rate in women having vertebral fractures. These findings support the necessity of preventing the occurrence of vertebral fractures to limit their strong negative impact on mortality.     

Mortality Rates of Patients with a Hip Fracture in a Southwestern District of Greece: Ten-Year Follow-Up with Reference to the Type of Fracture

Increased mortality after a hip fracture has been associated with age, sex, and comorbidity. In order to estimate the long-term mortality with reference to hip fracture type, we followed 499 patients older than 60 years who had been treated surgically for a unilateral hip fracture for 10 years. At admission, patients with femoral neck fractures (n = 172) were 2 years younger than intertrochanteric patients (77.6 ± 7.7 [SD] vs. 79.9 ± 7.4 [SD], P = 0.001) and had a greater prevalence of heart failure (57% vs. 40.3%, P = 0.03). Similar mortality rates were observed at 1 year in both types of fracture (17.9% vs. 11.3%, log rank test P = 0.112). Mortality rates were significantly higher for intertrochanteric fractures at 5 years (48.8% vs. 34.7%, P = 0.01) and 10 years (76% vs. 58%, P = 0.001). Patients 60–69 years old with intertrochanteric fractures had significantly higher 10-year mortality than patients of similar age with femoral neck fractures (P = 0.008), while there was no difference between the groups aged 70–79 (P > 0.3) and 80–89 (P = 0.07). Women were less likely to die in 5 years (relative risk [RR] = 0.57, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.41–0.79, P = 0.0007) and 10 years (RR = 0.65, 95% CI 0.49–0.85, P = 0.002). Age, sex, the type of fracture, and the presence of heart failure were independent predictors of 10-year mortality (Cox regression model P < 0.0001). The intertrochanteric type was independently associated with 1.37 (95% CI 1.03–1.83) times higher probability of death at 10 years (P = 0.002). In conclusion, the type of fracture is an independent predictor of long-term mortality in patients with hip fractures, and the intertrochanteric type yields worse prognosis.     

Do Mortality and Complication Rates Differ Between Periprosthetic and Native Hip Fractures?

Background

Epidemiological estimates indicate a rising incidence of periprosthetic hip fractures. While native hip fractures are known to be a highly morbid condition, a significant body of research has led to improved outcomes and decreased complications following these injuries. Comparatively, little research has evaluated the relative morbidity and mortality of periprosthetic hip fractures. The purpose of this study was to compare the morbidity and mortality of periprosthetic vs native hip fractures.

Significant changes in the surgical methods and length of hospital stay of hip fracture patients occurring over 10 years in Central Finland

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The objective of this study is to determine the changes occurring in the treatment chain and mortality of hip fracture patients in Central Finland over a ten-year period. In order to cope with an aging population and increasing cutbacks in the health care system, health-center hospitals run by general practitioners have taken a more active role in the rehabilitation of elderly patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Patients with acute hip fracture admitted to Jyv?skyl? Central Hospital in 1982-1983 (n = 317) and in 1992-1993 (n = 351) were collected from the hospital discharge register and the medical records of these patients were studied retrospectively. RESULTS: The median length of central hospital stay diminished from 18 days to 5 days and the percentage of hip fracture patients discharged to cope on their own diminished from 22 % to only 7 %. The percentage of trochanteric fractures treated by osteosynthesis increased from 83 % to 96 % and the percentage of cervical fractures treated by hemiprosthesis increased from 35 % to 76 %. First-year mortality has remained almost unchanged. CONCLUSIONS: There has been a dramatic change in surgical methods, in the length of hospital stay on the traumatology ward, and in discharge patterns and no change in mortality during the last 10 years in Central Finland.     

Should Femoral Shaft fractures in Patients Age Over 60 Years be Managed Using a Hip Fracture Pathway?

IntroductionThe British Orthopaedic Association published 2019 guidelines ‘The Older or Frail Orthopaedic Trauma Patient’. This implements principles of the hip fracture pathway to all fragility fractures. Like hip fractures, femoral shaft fractures in the elderly are also suggested to represent fragility fractures. Femoral shaft fractures in older patients are rare and there is scarce literature detailing their outcomes. We aim to review outcomes of femoral shaft fractures in patients age 60 years and over at our institution and compare them to that of the hip fracture population.Materials and Methods: We retrospectively reviewed clinical records of a consecutive cohort of patients aged 60 years and over, who sustained a femoral shaft fracture, over a five-year period at our institution. Outcome measures studied were time to surgery, mean length of admission, readmission rate within 30 days, medical and orthopaedic complications, one month and one year mortality.ResultsWe identified 53 patients with a mean age of 78.7 years. On average patients each had 2.7 medical comorbidities. Mean length of admission was 20.0 days and readmission rate within 30 days was 19.1% (n=9). Medical complications affected 41.5% of patients (n=22) and orthopaedic complications affected 9.4% of patients (n=5). Two patients demonstrated nonunion and one patient required revision surgery. Thirty day mortality rate was 13.2% (n=7) which increased to a one year mortality of 26.4% (n=14).ConclusionPatients age 60 years and over with femoral shaft fractures have poor medical outcomes and prolonged length of admission. Compared to patients with hip fractures, medical complication rates are at least twice the 13-20% reported for hip fractures. The 30 day mortality rate in patients with femoral shaft fractures was also more than double the 6.1% reported for hip fracture patients by The National Hip Fracture Database in 2018. Femoral shaft fractures are associated with high medical morbidity and mortality. The hip fracture pathway is encompassed in the British Orthopaedic Association guidelines and emphasizes early medical input and a multidisciplinary approach to patient management. Hence, our study supports implementation of these guidelines with aim to improve morbidity and mortality of this vulnerable patient group.     

Incremental Cost of Medical Care after Hip Fracture and First Vertebral Fracture: The Rotterdam Study

The aim of this study was to estimate the additional cost of medical care (the incremental cost) caused by incident hip and vertebral fractures, using a matched case cohort design within a longitudinal follow-up study. Incident hip fractures were recorded using the regular follow-up system of the Rotterdam Study. Incident vertebral fractures were recorded by morphometric comparison of spinal radiographs taken at intervals of 2.2 years on average. The matched control group was randomly selected from other participants of the Rotterdam Study in whom no fracture occurred during follow-up, but who were otherwise comparable at baseline. Cases were matched for age, gender, self-perceived health, ability to perform activities of daily life, living situation and general practitioner. Medical expenditure was assessed by retrieval of the general practice medical records and by recording all hospital and nursing home admissions, and all general practice and outpatient visits. Pharmaceutical consumption was recorded through the computerized records of the central pharmacy. Valid results were obtained for 44 pairs (91%) in the hip fracture and for 42 pairs (93%) in the vertebral fracture group. Cost of medical consumption in the year before the hip fracture was similar in patients and control subjects, but the incremental cost in the first year after the hip fracture was almost US$10 000. In the second year after hip fracture the incremental cost was still about $1000. Accounting for the excess mortality in hip fracture patients had little effect on cost in the first year, but cost in the second year was doubled to almost $2000. For vertebral fractures, we did not detect important acute care costs, but these fractures were associated with a yearly recurrent incremental cost of over $1000. However, almost half this difference was already present before the occurrence of the fracture, and was attributable to hospital admissions. The remainder of the incremental cost was mainly due to pharmaceutical consumption and to a lesser extent to admissions to orthopedic surgery wards. We conclude that hip fractures cause excess mortality and an important incremental cost especially during the first year, and that these could probably be avoided by prevention of hip fractures. For vertebral fractures we found no evidence of important acute care costs but we observed a yearly returning incremental cost. Part of this incremental cost, however, was pre-existing and might therefore by caused by co-morbidity. Received: 29 July 1998 / Accepted: 11 December 1998     

Incidence of hip and other osteoporotic fractures in elderly men and women: Dubbo Osteoporosis Epidemiology Study.

In this prospective 12-year study in men and women 60 years of age and older, there was a 4-6% per year reduction in the incidence rate of overall osteoporotic fractures, but the study was unable to exclude any change in the hip fracture incidence rate. Approximately one-half of hip fractures occurred before 80 years in men and two-thirds before 85 years in women. The age distribution of hip fractures underlines the need for earlier intervention in osteoporosis. INTRODUCTION: Although hip fracture is the major osteoporotic fracture in terms of health outcomes, quality of life, and costs, there is a paucity of long-term data on secular changes in men and women within a defined community. This long-term prospective population-based study over 12 years from 1989 to 2000 specifically examined the age distribution and secular changes in the incidence rates of hip and other osteoporotic fractures in men and women 60 years of age and older in a predominantly white population in Dubbo, Australia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Hip and all other clinical fractures were ascertained by reviewing all radiography reports from the two area radiology services, ensuring complete ascertainment of all clinical osteoporotic fractures. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Among the 1055 symptomatic atraumatic fractures (after excluding pathological fractures), there was a significant reduction in the overall fracture incidence rate in women (4% per year; p = 0.0003) and men (6% per year; p = 0.0004) over the 12 years. There were 229 hip fractures (175 in women and 54 in men) within 39,357 person-years of observation. The overall rate +/- SE of hip fracture was 759 +/- 57 per 100,000 person-years in women and 329 +/- 45 per 100,000 person-years in men, with an exponential increase with age. With advancing age, the incidence rate of hip fractures in men approached that in women; the female:male ratio fell from 4.5 (95% CI: 1.3-15.7) to 1.5 (0.9-2.5) and 1.9 (1.2-2.8) in the 60-69, 70-79, and 80+ year age groups, respectively. In women, the absolute number of fractures and incidence rate continuously increased with age; however, in men, the absolute number of hip fractures peaked at 80-84 years of age and then decreased. Most importantly, despite the continuing increase with age, almost one-half (48%) of the hip fractures occurred before the age of 80 years in men, and 66% of hip fractures occurred before the age of 85 years in women. The overall hip fracture incidence is comparable with other white (except Sweden) and Asian groups as well as two other Australian studies. This study could not exclude a change in hip fracture incidence rate, even in those 80 years of age and over among whom the incidence of hip fractures was the highest. The incidence data highlight the fact that a large proportion of hip fractures occurs in those under 80 years of age, particularly in men. This age distribution underlines the need for earlier intervention in osteoporosis in women and particularly in men to achieve the most cost-effective outcomes.     

Outcome of undisplaced and moderately displaced femoral neck fractures

Background The optimal treatment for femoral neck fracture is a matter of controversy. We compared the outcome of displaced fractures with good healing potential (moderately displaced fractures) to the outcome of undisplaced fractures treated by internal fixation with 2 parallel screws.

Methods In a consecutive series of hip fracture patients, the rates of reoperation and mortality for 225 undisplaced fractures were compared to those for 241 moderately displaced fractures. The patients were followed for 1-6 years.

Results The total rate of reoperation was 19% (9% because of healing complications) for the undisplaced fractures and 33% (20% because of healing complications) for the moderately displaced fractures. Fracture displacement was the main predictor of reoperation. There was no difference in mortality between the groups, and patient-related background parameters (rather than fracture displacement) were the main predictors of mortality.

Interpretation Undisplaced fractures should be treated by internal fixation. The best treatment for moderately displaced fractures remains to be determined.