hip fracture
A hip fracture is a serious injury that can have life-threatening complications The risk of hip fracture increases with age
Elderly people have a greater risk of hip fracture because at this age the bones become weaker (osteoporosis). Multiple medications, poor vision, and balance problems increase older adults' risk of trips and falls, the most common cause of hip fracture.
A hip fracture almost always requires surgery and months of physical therapy after surgery Maintaining bone density and preventing falls can help prevent hip fractures
A strong impact, such as in a car accident, can cause a hip fracture at any age Falling from a standing position is the most common cause in the elderly A person with weak bones can develop a hip fracture simply by standing
Signs and symptoms of a hip fracture include:
- Inability to walk immediately after a fall
- Severe pain in the thigh or groin
- Inability to put weight on the leg on the injured side
- Stiffness, bruising, and swelling in the thigh
