Post hip fracture in older adults : interventions and strategies for improving outcomes - the role and function of the CNS and Bone Health Unit in the management of hip fracture patients

Abstract

Hip fractures are a major cause of burden in terms of mortality, disability, and cost. With ageing of the population, a marked increase in the number of fractures is anticipated. They are the most common osteoporotic fracture in older adults and are due to reduced bone strength and a propensity to falling. In most populations, hip fracture increases with age with women two to three times more likely than men to sustain a hip fracture. Previous studies have shown that one year after a hip fracture, up to 50% of individuals have permanent functional disability, 20-25% will require long term care and between 20%-30% will have died. In Ireland the rates of hip fracture for the total population aged 50 years and over are 407 and 140 per 100,000 for females and males, respectively and is predicted to increase by 100% by the year 2026. With this increase in numbers will come an increase in cost in terms of personal health and health service utilisation