The increasing incidence of fractures of the proximal femur: an orthopaedic epidemic
Wallace, W.A.
Lancet 1(8339): 1413-1414
1983
ISSN/ISBN: 0140-6736 PMID: 6134183 Document Number: 205313
The number of patients with fractures of the proximal femur admitted to the orthopedic trauma unit in Nottingham, England, UK has risen from 290 in 1971 to 612 in 1981. From 1971-1977 the rate of increase in incidence was .apprx. 6%/yr but since 1977 it has risen to 10%/yr. Between 1977 and 1981 the elderly population of Nottingham increased by less than 2%/yr. Analysis of hospital admissions reveals a disproportionate increase in fractures of the proximal femur in women over the age of 75 yr. The incidence of hip fractures in women over the age of 75 has increased from 8/1000 per yr in 1971 to 16/1000 per yr in 1981. Work is urgently required to establish prophylactic treatment for this group of patients.