Racial variance in incidence and risk factors for osteoporotic hip fractures

Abstract

Hip fractures are a serious public health problem facing older females, and are associated with high rates of mortality, morbidity, and financial cost.21 Racial variation exists in the incidence of hip fractures. Medical records from two hospitals serving ethnically diverse populations show that racial variation exists, with Caucasians having a distinctly higher incidence of hip fracture than their African American counterparts.

Differing degrees of racial protectiveness for certain risk factors may contribute to racial variation in hip fracture incidence. Hip fractures are largely influenced by osteoporosis, decreased bone mineral density (BMD) of the femoral neck, and age-related, menopausal changes resulting in bone mass loss. Factors such as peak skeletal bone mass achieved, rate of bone loss, body mass index (BMI), diet, hormone levels, bone turnover rates, and hip structural geometry all influence an individual's risk for fracture, and each displays racial disparity.

Postmenopausal women need to be aware of the devastating impact of hip fractures, and to understand the racial implications of this clinical condition. Public awareness of this information should dictate the implementation of lifestyle changes to decrease postmenopausal women's risk, and thereby facilitate prevention of hip fracture.