Hip fracture

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Hip fracture

A hip fracture is a break in the upper part of the thighbone (femur) where the thighbone joins the pelvis to form the hip joint. Most hip fractures occur in the area just below the ball of the femur (femoral neck region) and the area just below this (intertrochanteric region).

A hip fracture almost always completely breaks the bone. A partial break in the bone (hairline fracture) may occur but is not as common and may not show up on an X-ray.

In older adults, hip fractures are caused most often by a fall. Even a slight fall can sometimes cause a fracture in a weakened hipbone. Women, especially those in their late 70s and 80s, are at an increased risk for hip fractures due to osteoporosis, a condition that causes the bones to become thin and brittle.

In children and young adults, hip fractures are caused most often by a sudden, severe injury, such as a vehicle accident, sports injury, or a high-impact fall.

The most effective and common treatment for a hip fracture is surgery.

Credits

Author	Jeannette Curtis
Author	Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS
Editor	Kathleen M. Ariss, MS
Editor	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA
Associate Editor	Tracy Landauer
Associate Editor	Pat Truman
Primary Medical Reviewer	Patrice Burgess, MD - Family Medicine
Primary Medical Reviewer	Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine
Primary Medical Reviewer	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Last Updated	May 25, 2007

Last updated:	May 25, 2007
Author:	Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS
Reviewed By:	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Pat Truman

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