Individuals with wrist fractures are at a higher risk of hip fractures than individuals with osteoporosis, according to China Medical University researchers.
Previous studies have also confirmed that individuals with previous fractures are more prone to develop hip fractures. Further, individuals with wrist fractures and suffering from osteoporosis are at an even greater risk of fracturing their hip.
For the study, researchers used the data of patients with newly diagnosed Colles' fracture recorded during the years 2000-2006 and compared fracture risk in this group to the data of individuals without Colles' fracture. Both study groups were followed up for one year to measure the incidence of hip fracture using three different calculation models, according to a press statement.
Researchers observed that hip-fracture incidence among patients with Colles' fracture was six times higher than that among patients without Colles' fractures. Researchers also found that within a month of getting a wrist fracture, patients were more likely to also have their hip fractured.
Worldwide, the total number of hip fractures is expected to surpass 6 million by the year 2050. A total of 310,000 individuals were hospitalized with hip fractures in the United States alone in 2003, according to data from the U.S Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, accounting for 30 percent of all hospitalized patients. Approximately one-third (101,800) of fracture patients went on to receive a hip replacement. The estimated cost for treatment is approximately $10.3 to 15.2 billion a year in the U.S.
Hip fractures substantially increase the risk of death and major morbidity in the elderly. Approximately one-half of patients are unable to regain their ability to live independently.
