Epidemiology of fragility hip fractures in Nan, Thailand

Objectives: Hip fracture is the most serious consequence of falling in elderly with osteoporosis. Patients with hip fractures suffer functional deterioration and increased morbidity especially during the first year after fracture. Rapid increase in the proportion of the elderly increases the prevalence of hip fractures in Thailand, leading to major problem for public health. There is substantial variation in the incidence of hip fracture in different regions of Thailand. Demographic data are required to improve management and prevention. This study was aimed to describe the demographic data and to determine the incidence of fragility hip fractures in Nan, Thailand. Methods: A retrospective, cohort study had been conducted in Nan and Pua hospital. Patients with hip fractures were sorted by International Classification of Diseases 10th Revision (S72.0–S72.2) from September 1, 2014 to December 31, 2017. Statistical analyses were conducted using descriptive analysis and 95% confidence interval. Results: The incidence of hip fractures in Nan province in 2015–2017 were 211.6, 214.9 and 238.5 per 100,000 person-years, respectively. There were 876 patients in this study. Higher incidence was found in female (ratio, 2.5:1). About 87.2% of the fracture occurred inside the house. There were 5.9% who had refracture. The median for refracture time was 143 weeks. Conclusions: The incidence of hip fractures in Nan province was classified as moderate severity and was increasing between 2015 and 2017. A coordinated, multidisciplinary approach in homecare management especially in fall prevention are important factors to reduce incidence of fragility hip fracture. Keywords: Epidemiology, Hip fracture, Osteoporosis, Refracture