Effectiveness of antiresorptive agents in the prevention of recurrent hip fractures

Hip fracture is associated with recurrent fractures and increased mortality. The results of our retrospective cohort study support the use of antiresorptive agents to prevent recurrent hip fractures in this population. Introduction Hip fracture, the most serious consequence of osteoporosis, is associated with recurrent fractures and increased mortality. Antiresorptive therapy has proven efficacy in the prevention of fractures after vertebral fractures. It is unknown if it can prevent recurrent fractures after a hip fracture. Methods We designed a population based, retrospective cohort study, using administrative databases and identified patients hospitalized for a hip fracture between 1996 and 2002. The exposure was defined as being dispensed a prescription for an antiresorptive agent at any time following discharge. Multivariate Cox regression models were used to estimate the hazard ratio of recurrent hip fracture. Subgroup and propensity score analyses were performed. Results A total of 20,644 patients were identified; 6,779 filled a prescription for antiresorptive agents. There were 992 recurrent hip fractures. Patients exposed to antiresorptives had a 26% reduction in the rate of recurrent fractures (adjusted hazard ratio 0.74; 95% CI, 0.64-0.86) compared to patients who were not. All subgroups experienced a reduction in recurrent fracture, except the very elderly. Propensity score analyses were consistent with the main analysis. Conclusions Antiresorptive therapy reduces the risk of recurrent hip fractures in elderly patients. These results provide evidence that this therapy should be considered for secondary prevention of hip fractures.