Evaluation of the risk of hip fracture.

Hip fracture is the most serious complication of osteoporosis and the incidence is rising worldwide. Bone mineral density measurements can be used not only to diagnose osteoporosis at the hip, but also to give prognostic information on the lifetime risk of hip fracture. A number of additional risk factors enhance the ability of density measurements to assess risk. Candidates include markers of bone resorption, prior fragility fractures, hip axis length, and estimates of postural integrity, each of which improve prognostic value independently of bone mineral assessments. Their use in the stratification of risk will help define intervention thresholds for treatments and improve the design of population screening policies, particularly in elderly women in whom the burden of hip fracture is greatest.