Summary

  • The age-adjusted incidence rate of osteoporotic hip fracture in Australia decreased over the 10 years to 2006-07, by 14% among males and by 20% among females. However, the actual number of cases continued to increase in both sexes due to population growth and ageing.
  • There were an estimated 16,518 osteoporotic hip fractures among Australians aged 40 years or over in 2006-07 (175 per 100,000 persons). Almost three-quarters of these occurred in females, who on average were aged 83 years (compared with 81 years for males).
  • Around 1 in 9 people hospitalised with the principal diagnosis of osteoporotic hip fracture in 2006-07 were discharged to a residential aged care service, where this had not previously been their place of residence.
  • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians were much more likely than other Australians to be hospitalised for an osteoporotic hip fracture. They were also on average much younger at the time of their fracture.
  • Osteoporosis and osteoporotic fractures can be prevented through lifestyle changes and by taking action to reduce the risk of falls.
  • Males in particular may benefit from increased attention to hip fracture prevention.