Changing incidence of hip fractures in rural and urban areas of central Norway.

The age- and sex-specific incidence of hip fractures is central Norway is reported for the periods of 1972-1973 and 1983-1984. The incidence of hip fracture for women had increased by approximately 22% in the intervening period. The region under investigation was subdivided into urban, semirural, and rural areas. The incidence was highest in the urban areas and lowest in the rural areas during both periods. This was most marked for cervical fractures and for women. The increase in incidence was the same in the rural and urban populations. A possible reason for the lower incidence of hip fractures in rural communities is that a more physically active life-style may protect against osteoporosis and fracture. Account should be taken of the lower incidence in rural areas when calculating the national hospital resources needed to care for hip fracture patients.