Trends in Subtrochanteric Fragility Fractures and Bisphosphonate Use in the Elderly
Author Information
Author(s): Wang Zhong, Bhattacharyya Timothy
Primary Institution: Intramural Research Program, National Institute of Arthritis, Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, National Institutes of Health
Hypothesis
The study aims to analyze national trends in hip fractures and medication use among the elderly US population from 1996 to 2007.
Conclusion
The study found that while typical hip fractures decreased, subtrochanteric fragility fractures increased among postmenopausal women during the same period.
Supporting Evidence
- Typical hip fractures decreased by 31.6% among women and 20.5% among men from 1996 to 2007.
- Bisphosphonate use increased from 3.5% in 1996 to 16.6% in 2007 among women.
- Subtrochanteric fragility fractures increased 20.4% among women from 1999 to 2007.
Takeaway
As older people are getting fewer typical hip fractures, there are more cases of a rare type of hip fracture called subtrochanteric fractures, especially in older women who take a medicine called bisphosphonates.
Methodology
The study used data from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) and the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS) to analyze trends in hip fractures and bisphosphonate use.
Potential Biases
The study may have overestimated subtrochanteric fractures due to reliance on ICD-9 codes rather than radiographic evidence.
Limitations
The study may not represent the same segment of the US population, and data on lifestyle factors that could explain fracture trends were not available.
Participant Demographics
The study focused on elderly patients aged 65 and older, with a higher percentage of subtrochanteric fractures in women and a significant number of patients with comorbid conditions.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p < 0.001
Confidence Interval
95% CI 27.7–29.1
Statistical Significance
p < 0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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