Abstract
Background and Aims:
The aim was to describe the incidence rate of hip fractures in the elderly in a specific region in Finland and circumstances around them.
Material and Methods:
Retrospective analysis of 461 women and men aged 65 or older undergoing an operation for hip fracture during a two-year period between 1999 and 2000. 80 variables in all were obtained from the hospital discharge register and patient documents.
Results:
The age-specific incidence of hip fractures was higher in women than in men (women 6.88/1000 person/y vs. 3.50/1000 person/y). Prior to the fracture, patients were primarily doing well; 63.4% lived at home and 65.1% used no mobility equipment or aids. Altogether 41.9% of hip fractures occurred in institutions. Both women and men more often suffered their injury indoors (91.1% and 75.7% respectively), and only a slight seasonal variation was observed. More than every fourth (26.9%) had experienced a previous fracture.
Conclusions:
The age-specific incidence of hip fractures was higher in women than in men. The fractures took place mostly indoors and often in institutions. Therefore the measures that impact on indoor safety are particularly important for the elderly.