Hip fracture incidence in the capital city of Serbia was assessed over a period of 10 years (2000-2009). Crude annual incidence rates increased significantly for all ages and both sexes (p = 0.002). Age-adjusted rates also showed a steady increase. The mean rate of annual change for age-adjusted rates was 8.6 % (95 %CI 7.5-9.7) in males, 8.0 % (95 %CI 7.4-8.6) in females, and 8.2 % (95 %CI 7.7-8.7) in the total population.
Introduction: The aim of this study was to estimate the incidence rate and trend of hip fractures in the population of Belgrade, the capital of Serbia.
Methods: Data sources were the official statistics of the Public Health Institute in Belgrade. The patient's age, gender, residence, hospital admission, and diagnosis were registered for each hospital admission. Population estimates were based on census data from 2002 and on published estimates for the intercensus years. The annual incidence (crude) rates and age- and sex-specific incidence rates were calculated with 95 % confidence intervals (CI) and age-adjusted incidence rates for persons over the age of 50 years were computed.
Results: A significantly increasing trend of crude incidence rates for all ages was observed in males (p = 0.002), females (p = 0.001), and overall (p = 0.002). The proportion of trochanteric fractures rose significantly with age in women (p < 0.0001), whereas it decreased nonsignificantly in men ≥70 years (p = 0.44). The age-adjusted incidence rates (per 100,000 in subjects ≥50 years old) showed a steady increase. The mean rate of annual change for age-adjusted rates was 8.6 % (95 %CI 7.5-9.7) in males, 8.0 % (95 %CI 7.4-8.6) in females, and 8.2 % (95 %CI 7.7-8.7) in the total population.
Conclusion: Hip fracture incidence continues to increase. In view of the rapid aging of the population, it is necessary to implement a comprehensive preventive policy in our community.