Hip fracture patients, a group of frail elderly people with low bone mineral density, muscle mass and IGF-I levels.

Elderly women with hip fractures constitute an increasing group of patients in many western countries. The most significant of many factors contributing to the incidence of hip fractures are neuromuscular impairment and low bone mineral density (BMD). Both bone mass and muscle strength decrease during ageing as well as growth hormone (GH) and the anabolic, insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I). We have found a lower IGF-I level and lower bone and lean body mass in hip fracture patients than in an age-matched group of patients. This sign of catabolism seems to continue postoperatively, with a significant decrease of both BMD and lean body mass possibly indicating GH/IGF-I therapy together with adequate nutrition to preserve bone and muscle losses in elderly patients with hip fractures.