Endocrine Abstracts

Introduction: Hip fractures are the most serious osteoporotic fractures and difficult to prevent them without a precise knowledge of the causative factors. The risk factors, which precipitate hip fracture in elderly may vary according to the local customs and practices. Indian data on risk factors for hip fractures are scant. The present study was undertaken to assess the various risk factors leading to femoral neck fracture in postmenopausal women and also to define the threshold for BMD at femoral neck below which the risk for fracture is increased.

Methods: This study included 31 postmenopausal subjects with femoral neck fracture and 31 age and BMI matched controls. Drug history, history of other systemic illnesses and visual and hearing impairment were assessed. Serum alkaline phosphatase, albumin, creatinine and 25 (OH) vitamin D and intact PTH were also assessed. Bone mineral density was assessed by using the DXA scanner at the lumbar spine and the femoral neck.

Results: Significantly more patients with femoral neck fracture were using sedatives and had hearing and visual impairment compared to controls (P≤0.05). Mean serum albumin, serum 25(OH) vitamin D and femoral neck BMD were significantly lower in femoral neck fracture group. Seventy four percent in the fracture group had vitamin D deficiency (≤20 ng/ml) when compared to 45% in the control group (P=0.05).

Conclusion: Significant proportion of femoral neck fracture patients had visual and hearing impairment and was using sedatives. They also had vitamin D deficiency. These factors are correctable and need special attention in the Indian context.