The correlation between proximal femur fracture and bone mineral density in the elderly

ObjectiveThe prevention and clinical management of fractures in the elderly have always been challenging issues in orthopedic practice. This study aims to explore the relationship between bone mineral density (BMD) and the types of proximal femoral fractures in elderly patients.MethodsThis study is a retrospective study. It included 876 patients with proximal femoral fractures (446 with femoral neck fractures and 430 with trochanteric fractures) who were admitted to the Affiliated Central Hospital of Shenyang Medical College between 1 January 2020 and 1 January 2023. The study compares the differences in BMD between the trochanteric fracture group and the femoral neck fracture group.ResultsThe trochanteric fracture group had significantly lower average lumbar spine BMD and total BMD of both femoral heads compared to the femoral neck fracture group. In both groups, the BMD of the affected femoral head was higher than that of the healthy femoral head. The average BMD of the affected femoral head was higher than that of the healthy femoral head in all patients (P < 0.001).ConclusionIn addition to fracture management, patients with trochanteric fractures should also receive treatment for osteoporosis. Furthermore, patients with proximal femoral fractures need to prevent secondary fractures in the healthy femur.