ETHNIC VARIATION IN EPIDEMIOLOGY AND SURVIVAL OF HIP FRACTURE

Abstract

It is has been suggested that as a result of the skewed age distribution, the incidence of hip fracture will increase disproportionately among Asians. The epidemiology of hip fracture among the Asian and White populations in Leicestershire the five year survival between the two groups was investigated.

All patients in Leicestershire with hip fracture between 2001–2 were studied. Demographic data, type of fracture, and treatment was recorded. Ethnic origin was noted as White, Asian, or other. Survival at 5 years was documented as number of days survived. The results were analysed statistically.

On thousand one hundred and thirty-four patients were admitted to our unit with hip fracture, 617 intracapsular fractures and 517 extracapsular fractures. Leicestershire Census data in 2002 showed that 85.7% of the population was white, 11.9% Asian and the remaining 2.4% of other ethnic group. The percentage of Asians > 65 years was 8.8% compared to 18.9% of whites. The number of Asian patients < 65 years with a hip fracture was significantly greater than the number of whites < 65 years (p =0.002, Fishers exact test). Five year survival of Asian patients < 65 years with hip fracture was significantly lower than white counterparts in the same age group (p = 0.002)

Over the last decade there has been a 30% increase in the Asian population in Leicestershire (9.3% to 11.9%). The proportion of Asians over 65 years doubled over the last decade from 4.3% to 8.8%. The proportion of Whites over 65 years increased from 16.3% to 18.9%. The 5 year survival of Asians with hip fracture under 65 years old is significantly reduced when compared to Whites. This suggests that Asians under the age of 65 years that sustain hip fracture may have other risk factors that may contribute to their earlier demise.