[Epidemiology of hip fractures and its social and economic impact. An update for 2014]

Abstract

Hip fractures (HF) following low-impact trauma are the most visible and dramatic consequences of osteoporosis (OP). It is estimated that within one year after HF, 20 to 30% of the patients die, 50-60% become disabled and only 30-40% fully recover their previous functional levels. Therefore, its medical, societal and economic impact is huge and it is not fully delivered by the event itself, but rather by its consequences. This paper aims to update data published by Branco et al. 2009 about epidemiology and burden of HF, specifically to revise the national data. In Portugal there have been 77,083 HF reported between 2000 and 2008 with increasing numbers with ageing along with due associated refracture and mortality rates. Recent results suggest a slight change at clinical level concerning the pharmacological approach for the treatment of HF, however it is still important to stay alert to the patients' needs and to their bone mineral density losses in order to avoid repeating the occurrence of these events, aiming to generate significant benefits in terms of health outcomes and due public expenditure.