Effect of decline of hip muscle density on proximal femoral fracture in the elderly

Abstract

Objective To definite the correlation of hip muscle density with proximal femoral fracture in the elderly. Methods The study included 41 proximal femoral fracture cases [14 males and 27 females, at age of (64.1±5.1)years] and 14 normal cases [4 males and 10 females, at age of (64.8±3.9)years] that underwent CT examination for hip joint. In fracture group, 19 cases sustained femoral neck fracture and 22 intertrochanteric fracture. CT imaging data were reviewed to analyze the correlation of age with hip muscle density at the level of ischium tubercle. Hip muscle density was compared between fracture side and healthy side in fracture group and between control group and fracture group. Results Hip muscle density showed a downward trend with increased age (P 0.05). Regardless of age, gender and other factors, hip anterior muscle density [(34.8±4.1)Hu] and posterior muscle density [(22.1±5.5)Hu] were lower in fracture group than in control group [(44.4±5.7)Hu, (39.2±5.3)Hu respectively, P 0.05). Conclusions Hip muscle density decreases with age and has no strong correlation with fracture. Deadline of the hip muscle density may be a risk factor to proximal femoral fracture in the elderly. Key words: Femoral fractures; Hip; Aged