[Hip fracture incidence in an urban area in Northeast Brazil].

Hip fractures involve high morbidity and mortality and extensive treatment costs and are thus considered an important public health issue. Hip fracture incidence varies greatly between countries and even between cities in the same region. This study aimed to determine hip fracture incidence in Fortaleza, Ceará State, Brazil. Hip fracture cases were identified prospectively in patients aged 45 and over attending private and public hospitals in Fortaleza from July 2001 to June 2002. The study identified 673 patients with hip fractures, 382 of whom from Fortaleza. Annual hip fracture incidence in Fortaleza for patients over 60 years was 21.7/10,000 inhabitants (13.0/10,000 for men and 27.7/10,000 for women). Hip fractures were more frequent among women and with advancing age. Hip fracture incidence in Fortaleza was very low compared to rates reported from other parts of the world.