The increasing incidence of fractures of the proximal femur: an orthopaedic epidemic.

The number of patients with fractures of the proximal femur admitted to the orthopaedic trauma unit in Nottingham has risen from 290 in 1971 to 612 in 1981. From 1971 to 1977 the rate of increase in incidence was approximately 6% per year but since 1977 it has risen to 10% per year. Between 1977 and 1981 the elderly population of Nottingham increased by less than 2% per year. Analysis of hospital admissions reveals a disproportionate increase in fractures of the proximal femur in women over the age of 75 years. The incidence of hip fractures in women over the age of 75 has increased from 8/1000/year in 1971 to 16/1000/year in 1981. Work is urgently required to establish prophylactic treatment for this group of patients.