Definition:
A hip fracture is a break in the thighbone just below the hip joint. The hip joint consists of a ball at the top of the thighbone (femur) and a rounded socket (acetabulum) in the pelvis. Most hip fractures occur in the femur one to two inches below the ball portion of the hip.

Causes:
Factors that may contribute to a hip fracture include:

• Falls, the most frequent cause of hip fractures
• Osteoporosis--a bone-thinning disease that weakens all bones including the hip
• Motor vehicle accidents and other types of major trauma
• Stress fractures in athletes (rare)
• Bone diseases such as osteomalacia (rare)
• Bone tumors (rare)

• Previous hip fracture or history of falling
• Age: 65 years or older
• Sex: Female (especially after menopause)
• Heredity
  • Family history of fractures later in life
  • Small-boned, slender body (low body weight)
  • Caucasian or Asian race
• Others:
  • Poor nutrition
  • Deficient intake or absorption of calcium and vitamin
  • Low body weight
  • Physical inactivity
  • Weakness
  • Poor balance and coordination
  • Smoking
  • Excessive alcohol use
  • Chronic disease or fragile health
  • 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 dizziness, drowsiness, or weakness
  • Systemic cortisone or other steroids
  • Excess thyroid hormone

• Pain in the hip
• Difficulty or inability to stand, walk or move the hip
• Abnormal appearance of the broken leg:
  • Looks shorter
  • Turns outward

Tests may include:

X-Ray–to determine exactly where the bone is broken and how far out of place the pieces have moved

Bone Scan or MRI Scan–used if the fracture doesn't show up on x-rays but symptoms indicate a fracture has occurred

Treatment:
The goal is to get you back on your feet again as quickly as possible while your broken bone heals.

Treatment includes:

• Taking all weight off the injured leg and immobilizing the fracture
• Checking vital signs such as blood pressure
• Treating problems such as internal blood loss
• Pain control with pain killers and other drugs

• Inserting a surgical plate and screws at the fracture site
• Replacing the hip with a metal implant (prosthesis), which has a ball that fits into the hip socket and an attached stem which goes into the thigh bone to hold the implant in place.

• Exercises or therapy to help you return to your normal level of activity
• A cane or walker as advised by your doctor
• Aid with activities of daily living until you can return to normal activity

• Eat a diet with nutrients for strong bones:
  • Calcium–about 1000 milligrams daily, but check with your doctor
  • Vitamin D–400-800 units a day
  • Adequate protein intake
• Exercise:
  • Ask your doctor before starting.
  • Weight-bearing activities such as walking
  • Strengthening exercises for both upper and lower extremities
• See your doctor if you are at risk for osteoporosis. Preventive medication may include:
  • Hormone replacement therapy for women after menopause
  • Biphosphonates
  • Calcitonin
• Ask your provider if any of your medications may contribute to:
  • Bone loss
  • Dizziness, drowsiness, or confusion
• Reduce falling hazards at work and home:
  • Clean spills and slippery areas immediately.
  • Remove tripping hazards such as loose cords, rugs and clutter.
  • Use non-slip mats in the bathtub and shower.
  • Install grab bars next to the toilet and in the shower or tub.
  • Put in handrails on both sides of stairways.
  • Walk only in well-lighted rooms, stairs, and halls.
  • Keep flashlights on hand in case of a power outage.
• Get your eyes checked regularly.