Hip Fractures

What is Hip Fractures?

A broken hip is a common injury, especially in elderly individuals. In the United States, hip fractures are the most common broken bone that requires hospitalization

Hip fractures in the elderly are most often caused by a fall, usually a seemingly insignificant fall. In younger patients with stronger bones, more common causes of a broken hip include high-energy injuries such as car accidents. Hip fractures can also be caused by bone weakened from tumor or infection, a problem called a pathologic fracture.

What are the symptoms?

• Discomfort on the outside of the knee when tension is applied
• Pain and swelling on the outside of the knee
• When the area over the affected ligament is touched
• Weakness of the knee

What are the causes?

• Trauma
• Osteoporosis

What are the treatments?

Treatment for hip fracture often involves a combination of three approaches, including: