title: Factors affecting the risk of hip fractures.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Hip fractures constitute a major cause of morbidity and mortality among the elderly, and are associated with a considerable and increasing economic burden. It has been estimated that the worldwide annual number of hip fractures will increase to 6.26 million by year 2050. The purpose of the current article was to review the factors affecting the risk of hip fractures.
  
  
  METHODS
  Original data for inclusion in this systematic review were identified through a MEDLINE search of the literature.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Several factors seem to affect the risk of hip fracture. The effect of each individual factor on hip fracture risk can be considered moderate; however, their summation can cause a substantial impact.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Recognising and a better understanding of the factors affecting the risk of hip fracture could aid to the planning of prophylactic strategies for reducing the problem and help the elderly remain independent and have a higher quality of life in their late years.
authors.affiliation: First Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Athens Medical School, Athens, Greece. ioannisbenetos@yahoo.gr
authors.forename: Ioannis S
authors.initials: IS
authors.lastname: Benetos
authors.forename: George C
authors.initials: GC
authors.lastname: Babis
authors.forename: Aristides B
authors.initials: AB
authors.lastname: Zoubos
authors.forename: Vassiliki
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Benetou
authors.forename: Panayotis N
authors.initials: PN
authors.lastname: Soucacos
mesh_terms: D000367:Age Factors; D000886:Anthropometry; D005260:Female; D006620:Hip Fractures / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D008019:Life Style; D008297:Male; D009752:Nutritional Status; D012111:Residence Characteristics; D012307:Risk Factors; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors