According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW), the incidence of hip fractures among older Australians declined constantly between 1997 to 1998 and 2006 to 2007 with bigger drop for women than men.

Over a period of ten years, the incidence rate for osteoporotic hip fracture reduced by 14 percent in men and 20 percent in women, according to the report, The problem of osteoporotic hip fracture in Australia.

Tracy Dixon, co-author of the report says that since the incidence rate for men decreased much slower among men, they may benefit more through extra attention and prevention efforts to detect underlying factors.

She continues saying, While overall incidence rate of osteoporotic hip fractures is declining, the actual number of cases is still on the rise due to a growing and ageing population.

From 2006 to 2007, there number of osteoporotic hip fractures among Australians aged above 40 years and over hit the total of 16,500. Ms Dixon also says that the average of Australians who broke their hip per day from 2006 to 2007 was more than 40.

While most of the people affected were 65 years and older and more than half were 85 years and older, about three quarters were women.

Hip fracture is a serious injury that can cause disability, loss of independence, decreased quality of life and premature death. Almost all persons who suffer hip fracture will have some form of surgery.

Osteoporotic hip fractures are more likely experienced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander as compared to their non-indigenous counterparts. Their average ages were also younger when they first experience the hip fracture.

Ms Dixon advices people to start making lifestyle changes and also reduce risks of falling in order to prevent osteoporosis and osteoporotic fractures.

Australia Medicine