A hip fracture is a break in the upper portion of the femur (thighbone). Most hip fractures occur in elderly patients whose bones have become weakened by osteoporosis. When a hip fracture occurs in a younger patient, it is typically the result of a high-energy event, such as a fall from a height or motor vehicle/motorcycle collision.

Each year, more than 300,000 people in the U.S. sustain a hip fracture. Most of these fractures occur in adults 65 or older who are injured in household or community falls.

Hip fractures can be very painful. Treating the fracture and getting the patient out of bed as soon as possible will help prevent medical complications such as bed sores, blood clots, and pneumonia. In very old patients, prolonged bed rest can also lead to disorientation, which makes rehabilitation and recovery much more difficult. For these reasons, prompt surgical treatment is recommended. 

Credit: OrthoInfo.com