Incidence, surgical management, and in-hospital mortality of osteoporotic hip fractures in Chile, 2001-2019.

UNLABELLED: A population study to understand the characteristics of osteoporotic (OP) hip fractures in Chile. Incidence has decreased slightly over time, but absolute numbers are increasing. A low rate of surgery stands out with higher in-hospital mortality among men and those not treated surgically. Management improvements are required.

INTRODUCTION

Osteoporotic hip fractures are prevalent among older adults, particularly women, and are associated with significant morbidity andmortality.

PURPOSE: To analyze the epidemiological characteristics, surgeries, and in-hospital case fatality rates (CFR) of patients aged ≥ 50 years hospitalized for OP fractures in Chile.

METHODS

A retrospective, population-based study utilizing national hospital discharge data for individuals aged ≥ 50 years diagnosed with hip fractures.

RESULTS

Over the 19 years studied (2001-2019), there were 119,145 discharges for OP fractures (89,502 women/29,643 men). The age-standardized incidence rates per 100,000 population were 181.8 for women and 92.6 for men. Incidence increased markedly with age, being 110 times higher in women and 35 times higher in men aged ≥ 80 years compared to those aged 50-54 years. The female-to-male incidence ratio was 2:1. Of all the patients, 66.1% underwent surgery during hospitalization. The overall in-hospital CFR was 2.54%, higher in men (2.93%) than in women (2.41%), and increased with advancing age.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the largest study in Chile using event data of the general population aged 50 years and older. Chile exhibits an intermediate incidence of OP fractures compared to other countries, with absolute numbers rising over time. Despite only 2/3 of the patients undergoing surgery, the overall in-hospital CFR was rather low. These findings underscore the need for enhanced strategies to ensure timely and effective care for this growing patient population.