Radiographic Analysis of Fractures of the Proximal Femur in Patients Over 50 Years Old at Hospital Universitario De Los Andes, Merida, Venezuela, 2008-2012

Abstract

AIM: An observational, retrospective analysis of the XR is presented. Preoperative tests performed on patients older than 50 years of age treated surgically for fractures of the proximal femur at the University Hospital of the Andes (Merida, Venezuela).

MATERIALS AND METHODS: These XRs were analyzed with reference to age, sex and fracture modality according to the AO/ASIF alphanumeric classification, which considers A the trochanter fractures and B the femoral neck ones. The mean annual frequency for the Hospital Universitario de Los Andes was estimated according to age, sex and fracture type strata.

RESULTS: Between 2008 and 2012, in people over 50 years of age, 463 hip fractures were present, affecting 334 women and 129 men (2.6/1). Hip fractures are 7.3 times more frequent after age 80, compared to strata between 50 and 60 years of age. The average annual frequency is 0.12%: 0.15% for ladies and 0.09% for gentlemen. Trochanteric fractures represent 76.4% of the total and are more common in women, with a mean age of 80.4 years. About 70% of these hip fractures are considered unstable injuries.

CONCLUSION: In the city of Mérida (Venezuela), hip fractures affect women over 80 and more commonly in the trochanteric area with high indices of instability.