[Research note: "On the progression of the incidence of hip fractures in the elderly"].

We studied 39,896 hip fractures that occurred in Quebec during 10 years. We found an increase in the incidence of hip fracture during this period. Demographical or anthropologic factors (such as smoking, alcohol consumption, residential placement), seasonal variations or socioeconomic factors alone could not give a satisfactory explanation for such an increase of this incidence. The pandemic disease theory might on the other hand give some explanation as to this above findings in hip fractures, considering that the average level of health of the elderly in 1991 is different from that in 1981. We suggest a hip fracture watch to allow for a follow-up on the general health situation of the elderly.