The incidence of hip fractures among older Australians declined
consistently between 1997-98 and 2006-07, but more so for women
than men, according to a report released today by the Australian
Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW).
The report, The problem of osteoporotic hip fracture in
Australia, shows that over the ten year period, the incidence
rate for osteoporotic hip fracture decreased by 14% for men and by
20% for women.
'The fact that the incidence of hip fractures decreased more
slowly among males may indicate that men could benefit from
increased attention to prevention of underlying risk factors,' said
report co-author Tracy Dixon.
'While the overall incidence rate of osteoporotic hip fractures
is declining, the actual number of cases is still on the rise due
to a growing and ageing population,' she said.
There were about 16,500 osteoporotic hip fractures among
Australians aged 40 years or over in 2006-07.
'This means more than 40 Australians broke their hip every day
in 2006-07. Most of these people were 65 years or older, and more
than half were 85 years or older. Almost three-quarters were
women,' Ms Dixon said.
Hip fracture is a serious injury that can lead to disability,
reduced quality of life, loss of independence and premature
death.
Virtually all people who break their hip will be admitted to
hospital and most will have some kind of surgery.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people were more likely
than their non-Indigenous counterparts to be hospitalised for an
osteoporotic hip fracture. They were also, on average, much younger
at the time of their hip fracture.
'Osteoporosis is a major risk factor in hip fractures among
older Australians,' she said.
Osteoporosis makes the bones fragile and consequently, people
with osteoporosis have a great risk of fracture following minimal
trauma such as falling off a chair.
'Osteoporosis and osteoporotic fractures can be prevented by
making lifestyle changes and by taking action to reduce the risk of
falls,' Ms Dixon said.
Friday 5 March, 2010
Further information: Ms Tracy Dixon, AIHW, tel.
02 6244 1103 or mob. 0418 271 395
For media copies of the report: Publications
Officer, AIHW, tel. (02) 6244 1032.
The problem of osteoporotic hip fracture in
Australia
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