Hip Fractures

What is a hip fracture (broken hip)?

The hip bone is not just one bone. It is actually several bones that come together like a puzzle and make up what is called the "hip bone". Hip fractures occur at the top of the thigh bone (leg bone) commonly known as the femur.

Why does a hip fracture or break occur?

Most hip fractures occur as a consequence of osteoporosis. In fact, it is estimated that more than 90% of hip fractures are associated with osteoporosis.

How does a hip fracture or break usually happen?

A hip fracture usually occurs in a fall from standing height. In fact, only 10% of hip fractures occur spontaneously, without a fall.

When do hip fractures usually occur?

Hip fractures most often occur in adults over the age of 70. In general, the risk for hip fracture dramatically increases with advanced age.

How common is a hip fracture?

In the United States, there are about 297,000 hip fractures per year. In fact, a woman's risk of hip fracture after age 50 is equal to her combined risk of breast, uterine and ovarian cancer. The rate of hip fractures is 2 to 3 times more common in women than in men. However, men have a higher risk (almost two times higher then women) of dying in the year following a hip fracture.

Is a hip fracture serious?

A hip fracture is considered to be the worst consequence of osteoporosis. It can cause severe pain in the buttock, groin or hip and almost always results in the inability to stand or walk. A hip fracture may cause temporary disability, permanent disability, or even more severe complications.

Almost all people who have hip fractures require surgery to repair the broken bone. Hip fractures most often occur in late adulthood when it is common to have additional medical conditions that increase the risk for surgical complications. The complications from surgery can be serious and may include blood clots, pneumonia, infections, and bleeding. Sadly, the risk of dying in the year following a hip fracture is 15 to 20 percent higher compared to a group of individuals of the same age with no hip fracture. Death rates following hip fracture are especially high among men and African-American women.

A hip fracture can impact an individual's life in many ways. It commonly leads to a loss of independence. Following surgery, some people require long-term skilled nursing care. In fact, approximately 25% of women require care in a skilled nursing facility for at least a year after the fracture. For individuals who are discharged from the hospital to a home setting, it is common to need help from family, friends, or healthcare professionals with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and shopping.

What can be expected during recovery from a hip fracture?

Following a hip fracture, only a small percentage of people are able to return to the same level of independence that they had before the fracture. Although there are common steps towards recovery, individuals may require different levels of care in order to reach optimal wellness. Hip fracture patients often require rehabilitation by trained professionals such as physiatrists, physical therapists, and/ or occupational therapists. Some people who suffer from hip fractures need canes or walkers to assist with safe movement and walking. It is important to know that once you have had a fracture, you are at an increased risk for future fractures. To reduce your risk of fracturing again, be sure to get enough calcium and vitamin D each day. It is also very important to speak to your healthcare provider about taking an appropriate FDA- approved osteoporosis medication that will be effective for reducing your risk for another hip fracture as well as other fractures.

Healthy bones are a lifelong commitment. It is never too early or too late to take the steps to prevent osteoporosis.  At any age you can reduce your risk for falling and breaking a bone.