Orthopedics / Neurology

Patient Education

Hip Fractures

A hip fracture is a common injury in the elderly patient after a fall, due to the weakening of bone which occurs with aging. Each year there are more than 320,000 hospitalizations for hip fractures.

More than 90 percent of these hospitalizations are people 65 and older. Women have 1 in 7 chance of having a hip fracture during their lifetime. Men have 1 in 17 chance. Hip fracture is a break near the top of your thighbone (femur) where it angles into your hip socket. When you break your hip, it usually hurts too much to stand and your leg may turn outward or shorten. In most cases, you need hospitalization and surgery. Get to your doctor or emergency room.

Frequently Asked Questions about Hip Fractures