title: Sequential fractures of both hips in elderly patients--a prospective study.
abstract: Thirty-five patients with sequential fractures of both hips were studied prospectively. The second hip fractures occurred more commonly if the patients were institutionalized, if they suffered from concomitant neurologic diseases such as previous stroke or Parkinsonism, or if there was biochemical evidence of osteomalacia. Twelve patients sustained the contralateral hip fracture within 12 months of the first one. There was a significant correlation between biochemical evidence of osteomalacia and early occurrence of the second hip fracture. Although rehabilitation was difficult for such patients, it was possible with a longer period of intensive physiotherapy; only three patients were not able to walk upon discharge from the hospital after the second hip fracture.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital.
authors.forename: K Y
authors.initials: KY
authors.lastname: Chiu
authors.forename: W K
authors.initials: WK
authors.lastname: Pun
authors.forename: K D
authors.initials: KD
authors.lastname: Luk
authors.forename: S P
authors.initials: SP
authors.lastname: Chow
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D015897:Comorbidity; D005260:Female; D005265:Femoral Neck Fractures / Q000453:epidemiology*; D006620:Hip Fractures / Q000453:epidemiology*; D006723:Hong Kong / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D007326:Institutionalization; D008297:Male; D009468:Neuromuscular Diseases / Q000150:complications; D010018:Osteomalacia / Q000150:complications; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012008:Recurrence; D012307:Risk Factors