[Epidemiological characteristics of hip fractures in Belgrade from 1990 to 2000]

The objective of this study was to estimate the incidence of hip fractures in Belgrade for the period 1990-2000, and to determine distribution of fractures according to sex, age, and causes of injuries. Data based on medical records of the National Health Service in Belgrade were collected from all orthopedic hospitals and departments in Belgrade. A total number of 8904 hip fractures were included in the analysis, out of which 64.7% occurred in women. During the survey period, the estimated average annual incidence rate of hip fractures was 51.7/100 000 (95% CI= 48.1-55.4); 66.2/100 000 (95% CI= 60.8-72.1) in women and 35.3/100 000 (95% CI= 31.4-40.1) in men, respectively. In the age group > or =50 years, the incidence rates standardized by the 1985 US population were 228 and 96 per 100 000 female and male population, respectively. An exponential increase in the incidence of hip fractures with age was observed in both sexes, especially in women. The number of trochanteric fractures was 4718 (53.0%), compared with 4186 (47.0%) cervical fractures. Observation at three time points, in 1990, 1995, 2000, indicated the pronounced increase of trochanteric fractures in women and less distinctive in men. Fall on the flat ground resulted in 70.3% of hip fractures among persons aged 50 years or older, and traffic accidents were recorded as the major cause in 59.7% of patients under 50 years of age.