Hip Fracture
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Hip Fracture
Copyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.
Definition
A hip fracture is a break in the thigh bone just below the hip joint. The hip joint consists of a ball at the top of the thigh bone and a rounded socket in the pelvis. Most hip fractures occur 1-2 inches below the ball portion of the hip in the neck of the thigh bone.
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Causes
Factors that may contribute to a hip fracture include:
- Falls—the most frequent cause
- Motor vehicle accidents and other types of major trauma
- Stress fractures in athletes—rare
- Bone conditions such as osteomalacia—rare
- Bone tumors—rare
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Risk Factors
Factors that increases your chance of getting a hip fracture include:
- Previous hip fracture or history of falling
- Age: 65 years or older
- Sex: female, especially after menopause
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Heredity
- Family history of fractures later in life
- Small-boned, slender body—low body weight
- Caucasian or Asian race
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Others:
- Osteoporosis—a bone-thinning condition that weakens all bones
- Poor nutrition
- Deficient intake or absorption of calcium and vitamin D
- Low body weight
- Physical inactivity
- Weakness
- Poor balance and coordination
- Smoking
- Excessive alcohol use
- Chronic disease or fragile health
- Diabetes
- Kidney disease
- Irregular heart beat or low blood pressure
- Arthritis
- Parkinson's disease
- History of stroke
- Mental impairments including Alzheimer’s disease
- Problems with vision
- Certain medications which cause lightheadedness, drowsiness, or weakness
- Cortisone or other steroids
- Thyroid disorder
- Heart failure
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Symptoms
Symptoms may include:
- Pain in the hip
- Difficulty or inability to stand, walk, or move the hip
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Abnormal appearance of the broken leg:
- Looks shorter
- Turns outward