Research Reveals Increased Hip Fracture Risk in Rheumatoid Arthritis
January 14, 2025 (Vancouver) – Arthritis Research Canada study finds people living with rheumatoid arthritis, a disease where chronic inflammation is a hallmark, are at a greater risk of experiencing hip fractures than the general population. Still, their risk of death after a fracture is the same as the general population.
The study showed people with rheumatoid arthritis have a 28% higher risk of hip fractures compared to people from the general population. This risk is lower than previously reported, likely reflecting better treatment of inflammation and management of osteoporosis and its risk factors.
“Osteoporosis is a known complication of rheumatoid arthritis and increases the risk of hip fracture, which is associated with high morbidity and mortality,” said Dr. Allyson Jones, Affiliate Scientist at Arthritis Research Canada. “However, we previously didn’t have up-to-date information reflecting the risk of hip fractures in people with rheumatoid arthritis who are receiving newer treatments that better control the inflammation from their arthritis.”
For this reason, the research team tracked everyone in British Columbia with rheumatoid arthritis and people of the same age and sex from the general population and compared their risk of hip fractures and mortality at different time points up to 5 years after hip fracture.
This research reveals a critical need for fall prevention programs and other primary prevention strategies targeting rheumatoid arthritis. “Early detection of osteoporosis and proactive fracture risk management, such as programs that promote strength training and balance to prevent falls, is critical for preventing hip fractures and their long-term complication in people with rheumatoid arthritis, said Dr. Diane Lacaille, senior author of this study and Arthritis Research Canada’s Scientific Director. “Hip fractures are a significant public health problem because they can lead to long-term disability, with older adults often not returning to the same level of functioning after a hip fracture, and to an increased risk of death.”
To read more about this research, please click here.
To read the full research paper, please click here.
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