Racial/ethnic differences in hip and diaphyseal femur fractures

Area of Science:

• Orthopedics
• Epidemiology
• Geriatric Medicine

Background:

• The epidemiology of diaphyseal femur fractures differs from proximal femur (hip) fractures.
• Few studies have examined demographic variations in femur fracture incidence in the current era.
• This study investigates contemporary differences in low-energy femur fractures by race/ethnicity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine contemporary differences in low-energy femur fracture incidence by race/ethnicity in Northern California women.
• To compare trends in hip fracture and diaphyseal fracture rates over time.
• To identify demographic and clinical factors associated with diaphyseal fractures.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of hip and diaphyseal fractures in women aged ≥50 years from 2006-2012.
• Fracture classification using hospital diagnosis codes and radiologic findings.
• Demographic and clinical data obtained from health plan databases.

Main Results:

• Hip fracture incidence declined, while diaphyseal fracture incidence increased, especially in Asian women.
• Asian women had the highest rate of diaphyseal fracture, with a significant upward trend.
• Women with diaphyseal fractures were younger, more likely to be Asian, and to have received bisphosphonate therapy.

Conclusions:

• Hip fracture rates decreased, but diaphyseal fracture rates rose between 2006-2012, notably in Asian women.
• The association between bisphosphonate therapy and diaphyseal fractures warrants further investigation.
• Disparities in femur fracture patterns by race/ethnicity require continued examination.