A review of proximal femur fracture patterns, etiologies and sociodemographic features

Abstract

Objectives: To identify the frequency and patterns of proximal femur fractures in a tertiary center in Jordan to aid in the identification of the requirement of the orthopedic department and assist in the future planning for founding country-based preventive and treatment guidelines. Methods: This retrospective study reviewed 706 proximal femur fractures admitted from July 2018 to December 2021 at King Hussein Medical City in Amman, the capital of Jordan. Fractures were assessed concerning age, gender, mechanism of injury and variation over the years. Results: Proximal femoral fractures account for one-fifth of all orthopedic hospital admissions. Females represented most patients (60.9%) and the left side was most affected (52.1%). Intertrochanteric fractures were the most common, followed by intracapsular fractures of the femoral neck; both accounted for about 90% of all fractures. Patients with femoral neck fractures are ten years younger than the intertrochanteric group. Falling from the floor was the most common cause. Fractures of the proximal femur occur in elderly patients with a mean age of 70.81 years (±18.97). However, femoral head and hip dislocation occur in young patients. We notice an annual increase in the number of admissions. Conclusions: Proximal femur fractures are the leading cause of hospitalizations in the orthopedic department. This study provides information on proximal femur fractures in Jordan. However, multicenter studies are needed to evaluate proximal femur fractures adequately, provide guidelines for treating and preventing these injuries and determine our institute's supply needs.