Fractures of proximal femur are common among elderly people. They are associated with considerable morbidity and mortality. Identification of etiopathogenetic factors associated with fractures might facilitate prevention. Osteoporosis is commonly present in the heads of femurs. The prevalence of osteoarthritic changes in hip joints is controversial. Some authorities report low prevalence and even speculate on the protective effect of osteoarthritis against fractures.
The goal of the study was to examine the association between osteoarthritic changes (radiologic and histologic) and fractures of the neck of the femur.
The patient population included 41 patients undergoing replacement of femoral head for subcapital fracture; their ages ranged from 61 - 93 years of age. Radiologic criteria for osteoarthritis included: (a)narrowing of joint space (b) subchondral sclerosis (c) deformation of head of femur (d) subchondra cysts and (e] osteophytes.
Osteoarthritic changes, usually mild, were present in 22 (54%) patients, regardless of age and gender The frequency of radioLogical changes was similar to the general population. HistoLogic findings included subchondral fibrosis and subchondral cysts. Mild subchondral fibrosis was present in 78% of cases.
The findings support lack of association between osteoarthritic changes in hip joint and fracture of proximal femur, without a protective effect.