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Imaging of the Microstructural Failure Mechanism in the Human Hip
Published on: September 29, 2023
Increasing incidence of hip fracture in Chiang Mai, Thailand
Prasit Wongtriratanachai1, Sirichai Luevitoonvechkij1, Thawee Songpatanasilp2
1Department of Orthopedics, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand.
Insights
Hip fracture incidence in Chiang Mai, Thailand, has significantly increased, particularly in older adults. Urgent prevention and treatment strategies for osteoporosis are crucial to address this growing public health concern.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Orthopedics
- Public Health
Background:
- Hip fracture poses a significant health challenge in Thailand.
- Previous studies provide a baseline for understanding trends.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the incidence, risk factors, and trends of hip fractures in individuals aged 50 and older in Chiang Mai, Thailand.
- To compare current data with a 1997 study to identify changes over time.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective data collection of hip fractures from hospitals in Chiang Mai between August 2006 and July 2007.
- Comparison of incidence rates with data from a 1997 study.
Main Results:
- 690 hip fractures were reported (203 males, 487 females), with a mean age of 76.7 years.
- The adjusted incidence was 253.3 per 100,000, highest in those over 85 years.
- Hip fracture incidence increased by 2% annually since 1997, with a notable rise in individuals over 75 years.
Conclusions:
- Hip fracture incidence has significantly increased in Chiang Mai, especially in the elderly population.
- Simple falls remain the primary cause of hip fractures.
- There is an urgent need for effective osteoporosis prevention and treatment strategies to mitigate the rising hip fracture rates.
Abstract:
Hip fracture is a major health problem in Thailand. This study attempted to examine the incidence, related factors, and trends of hip fracture in Chiang Mai, Thailand. All hip fracture data among patients aged 50 yr or older were collected from hospitals in Chiang Mai, Thailand from August 1, 2006 to July 3, 2007. Data from the 1997 Chiang Mai hip fracture study were used for comparison. In the study period, 690 hip fractures were reported: 203 males and 487 females (male to female ratio was 1 to 2.4), with a mean age of 76.7 yr. The estimated cumulative incidence was 181.0 per 100,000, and the adjusted incidence was 253.3 (males: 135.9; females: 367.9). A simple fall was the most common mechanism (79%) of fracture, and 80% of the hip fractures occurred in patients aged 70 yr or older. The highest incidence of hip fracture was observed in patients older than 85 yr (1239). At 6 mo postfracture, most patients (61%) used a walking aid. Compared with the 1997 data, hip fracture incidence had increased by an average of 2% per yr, and the incidence of hip fracture had increased significantly from August 1, 2006 to July 31, 2007, especially in patients older than 75 yr. In patients older than 84 yr, the incidence increased by a factor of 2. Urgent strategies for the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis, and hence hip fracture, are needed.
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