Each year, around 15,000 people in Sweden suffer from hip fractures, which often lead to pain, loss of independence, and long-term reliance on relatives, friends, or healthcare staff. The stakes are incredibly high—25% of those affected die within the first year, a mortality rate higher than strokes or heart attacks. Early identification of high-risk individuals could save lives by enabling timely interventions.
Researchers at Uppsala University have developed a groundbreaking clinical model that can accurately predict the risk of hip fractures in elderly patients. Based on data from the entire Swedish population, the model identifies high-risk individuals without the need for measuring bone density, a common yet time-consuming method. This advancement allows doctors to speed up preventive treatments for those most vulnerable, potentially saving lives and reducing complications associated with hip fractures.
The Uppsala University study is based on an extensive collection of register data from the entire Swedish population. Over a five-year period, researchers tracked all individuals aged 50 and above to identify key factors contributing to hip fracture risk. The model they developed relies on 19 variables, including age, gender, diagnoses, and socioeconomic factors, offering a more comprehensive assessment of risk than traditional methods.
One notable finding is that frailty, indicated by the need for home-help services, emerged as a strong predictor of hip fractures. Women using these services had an 8% risk of hip fractures over five years, while men faced a 5% risk.
The study established a threshold for when preventive treatment with bone-strengthening drugs should begin, suggesting that a 3% or higher risk within five years warrants intervention. This model has been validated across different populations, showing the potential to transform hip fracture prevention guidelines worldwide.
Article written by News Medical
14/10/2023
Source:
News Medical