Incidence of hip fractures in Salamanca, Spain. Period: 1994–2002

INTRODUCTION: The incidence of hip fractures in Salamanca (Spain) has been lower than in other countries, but has shown a marked increase during the past few decades. The aim of this work is to ascertain the real incidence of hip fractures in the province of Salamanca (Spain) in the period 1994–2002, and based on these results make a prediction for the future (up to the year 2015). METHODS: This present study is based on collected data form the discharge register of the University Hospital of Salamanca (100% codified) for those patients 65 years of age and older with a diagnosis of hip fracture (ICD-9 820.X) during the period 1994 to 2002. From this data a descriptive statistical study has been achieved with an analysis covering incidence and the construction of a regression model in order to produce an estimate of fracture incidence up to the year 2015. RESULTS: The number of fractures has practically doubled, with 220 fractures in 1994 and 404 fractures in 2002. The incidence adjusted for age (65 years) shows a very important increase surpassing 315 cases/100,000 (95% CI: 261–408) in 1994 and rising to 496/100,000 (95% CI: 388–535) in 2002. The estimate of the incidence for the future tells us that a continuing rise in the increase of hip fracture incidence will occur for the year 2015 with 668/100000 (95% CI: 516-819). CONCLUSIONS: The increase in hip fracture cases is greater than expected due to an aging population, suggesting the existence of other factors influencing this higher incidence. This information should alert the health authorities so they may begin to initiate plans of prevention and management of these very debilitating injuries. The incidence of hip fractures in Salamanca (Spain) has shown a marked increase during past decades. The aim of this work is to ascertain the real incidence of hip fractures in the province of Salamanca (Spain) in the period 1994–2002, and base on these results make a prediction for the future (up to the year 2015). This present study is based on collected data from the discharge register of the University Hospital of Salamanca (100% codified) for those patients 65 years of age and older with a diagnosis of hip fracture (ICD9 820.X) during the period 1994 to 2002. The adjusted incidence was a very important increase surpassing 315 cases/100,000 in 1994 and rising to 496/100,000 in 2002. The estimate of the incidence for the year 2015 was 668/100,000 (95% IC: 516 to 819) The increase in hip fracture cases is greater than expected due to an aging population, suggesting the existence of other factors influencing this higher incidence.