Fragility Fractures in Hip and the Distal Radius: Difference in the Age-groups and Its Implications on Preventing Hip Fractures

Background: Fragility fractures are commonly seen in the distal radius and hip in osteoporotic individuals. While hip fractures have high mortality rates, distal radius fractures are known to cause morbidity in the form of wrist stiffness. This study aims to compare the chronological age of patients who sustain distal radius and hip fractures following a trivial injury. Methods: The study was done by reviewing available in-patient medical records between January 2019 and July 2024 of patients aged 50 years or older with distal radius and hip fractures following a trivial trauma. The chronological age of all patients satisfying our inclusion criteria were noted. This data was analysed on Jamovi software version 2.6.17 by using a Mann Whitney U test, the age difference of patients sustaining distal radius fractures with that of those sustaining hip fractures were analysed. Results: This study included 362 patients, of which 112 had sustained distal radius fracture and 250 had sustained hip fractures. 61.2 years was the mean age for distal radius fractures, while that of hip fractures was 72.3 years. Age groups of these two fragility fractures showed a difference which was significant with a T statistic value of 5589 and p<0.001. Conclusion: Increased risk of sustaining fragility fracture in the hip as compared to distal radius with increasing age can be attributed to the delayed response to a fall, resulting in a direct impact on the hip on striking the floor. As the mortality associated with hip fractures are high, training to improve the reflexes, particularly those focused on developing the response of an outstretched hand during a fall should be incorporated as a part of the daily activity for the elderly individuals.