Incidence of hip fractures in Malmo, Sweden, 1992-1995 - A trend-break

The incidence of hip fractures in Malmo, Sweden, has been studied since 192 4. Predictions based on material from the 1950s to the 1980s have shown an almost exponential increase in incidence. During 1992-1995, 2,268 patients aged 50 and older, with hip fractures, wer e admitted to Malmo University Hospital, the only hospital in the city trea ting hip fractures. 76% were women with a mean age of 81 (SD 8) years, and the mean age of men was 78 (SD 9) years. 47% of the fractures were cervical . The annual incidences per 10,000 inhabitants were 36 in men and 85 in wom en. The corresponding numbers of subjects over 80 years were 170 men and 29 7 women. These findings show that the incidence is no longer increasing. The causes of such a trend-break could be successful osteoporosis preventio n, an increasing proportion of non-Scandinavian immigrants with a lower gen etic risk of osteoporotic fractures, or a healthier elderly population. Inc reasing number of the population at risk already have two operated hips, du e to previous fractures or arthrosis. Other causes may be fewer prescriptio ns of sedatives and higher winter temperatures.