Hip Fracture Incidence Over Twenty Years in Poland: The HiPoL Study

Introduction: In the previous report, we noted a significant increase in hip fracture incidence in the local study area. The aim of the study was the continuous observation of hip fracture incidence in the local community over the last 20 years and to estimate their projection for the next 30 years.

Methods: Medical records of the patients aged 50 years and older in the period 2002 – 2021 (local data – area of the district Tarnowskie Góry and the city of Piekary Śląskie) with diagnosis ICD-10: S72.0; S72.1; and S72.2 (only the fragility fractures) were taken into analysis.

Results: 2,723 fragility hip fractures in the local area were registered (72 % in women). The increase in the rate was constantly observed, even during the COVID – 19 pandemic. The incidence rate ratio for the local population increased to 1.41. The incidence rate in 2021 was for the total population 230.2 (men 151.3; women 294.2). For comparison in 2002, it was 129.0 (men 48.8; women 192.4). In 2050 the number of fractures according to our new estimation will increase.

Conclusions: The number of fragility hip fractures in Polish men and women aged over 50 years in the local population increased. The epidemiological situation is still worsening. Therefore, especially due to the reduction of orthopedic beds and the aging population phenomenon the situation will be tragic to our patients.