Abstract

Summary This retrospective study examining hip fracture incidence, hip fracture trends, and the annual hospitalization costs
for hip fractures in a population aged 50 years and older within the Universal Health Coverage System revealed that the
incidence of hip fractures and the annual hospitalization costs for hip fractures increased significantly from 2013 to 2022.

Purpose To examine the annual incidence of hip fractures over 10 years (2013–2022), hip fracture trends, and the annual
hospitalization costs for hip fractures in a population aged 50 years and older within the Universal Health Coverage System.

Methods A retrospective study was conducted. Hip fracture hospitalizations were identified using ICD-10. Data on the
number of hip fracture hospitalizations, population aged ≥ 50 years, and hospitalization costs were obtained. The primary
outcome was the annual incidence of hip fractures. The secondary outcomes were hip fracture incidence by 5-year age group,
the annual hospitalization costs for hip fractures, and the number of hip fractures in 6 regions of Thailand.

Results The hip fracture incidence increased annually from 2013–2019 and then plateaued from 2019–2022, with the crude
incidence (per 100,000 population) increasing from 112.7 in 2013 to 146.7 in 2019 and 146.9 in 2022. The age-standardized
incidence (per 100,000 population) increased from 116.3 in 2013 to 145.1 in 2019 and remained at 140.7 in 2022. Increases
in the crude incidence were observed in both sexes (34% in females and 21% in males; p < 0.05). The annual hospitaliza-
tion costs for hip fractures increased 2.5-fold, from 17.3 million USD in 2013 to 42.8 million USD in 2022 (p < 0.001). The
number of hip fractures increased in all six regions of Thailand across the 10-year study period.

Conclusion Osteoporotic hip fractures are a significant health concern in Thailand. The incidence and the annual hospitali-
zation costs for hip fractures increased significantly from 2013 to 2022.