Age-related macular degeneration and secondary fracture risk in patients with hip fractures.

Research on the relationship between age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and secondary fracture risk following hip fractures is scant. We aimed to examine whether AMD increases the risk of secondary fractures following hip fracture surgery. This retrospective cohort study was conducted using data from the Korean National Health Insurance Service Senior Cohort (2002-2019). Secondary fractures were defined as hip, wrist, humerus, spine, ankle, or pelvic fractures occurring within 6 months after hip fracture surgery. Patients diagnosed with AMD within 6 months postoperatively were identified. Covariates included age, sex, income, insurance type, Charlson Comorbidity Index, residential area, disability status, and hospital size and type. Associations between AMD and secondary fractures were analyzed using Cox proportional hazards models. Among 18 611 patients with hip fractures, 93 were diagnosed with AMD and 26 experienced secondary fractures. Patients with AMD had a significantly higher risk of secondary fractures than those without AMD (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.70; 95% confidence interval, 1.16-2.51). Overall, AMD was associated with an increased risk across all fracture types. Effective management of AMD may help reduce the risk of secondary fractures.