Overview	Diagnosis
	Treatment Options

Overview

Factors that may contribute to a hip fracture include:

falls, the most frequent cause of hip fractures

osteoporosis, a bone-thinning disease that weakens all bones including the hip

motor vehicle accidents and other types of major trauma

stress fractures in athletes (rare)

bone diseases such as osteomalacia (rare)

bone tumours (rare)

Risk factors that increase your chances of fracturing your hip include:

previous hip fracture or history of falling

age: 65 years or older

sex: female (especially after menopause)

heredity

family history of fractures later in life

small-boned, slender body (low body weight)

Caucasian or Asian race

others:
          - deficient intake or absorption of calcium (pdf file) and vitamin D
          - smoking
          - excessive alcohol use
          - physical inactivity
          - chronic disease or fragile health
          - difficulties with activities of daily living
          - poor balance and coordination
          - irregular heart beat or low blood pressure
          - problems with vision
          - arthritis
          - Parkinson's disease
          - stroke
          - mental impairments including Alzheimers disease
          - certain medications which cause dizziness, drowsiness, or weakness
          - systemic cortisone
          - excess thyroid hormone

Diagnosis

Symptoms may include:

pain in the hip

difficulty or inability to stand, walk or move the hip

abnormal appearance of the broken leg—it looks shorter or turns outward

The doctor will ask about your symptoms, how the injury occurred, and then will perform a physical exam. Tests may include:

x-rays
These will help to determine exactly where the bone is broken and how far out of place the pieces have moved.

bone scan or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan
These tests are used if the fracture doesn't show up on x-rays but symptoms indicate a fracture has occurred.

Treatment Options

The goal is to get you back on your feet again as quickly as possible while your broken bone heals. Treatment includes:

• prompt emergency treatment
taking all weight off the injured leg and immobilizing the fracture
checking vital signs such as blood pressure
treating problems such as internal blood loss
controlling pain with pain killers and other drugs

• surgery
Surgery is performed to set the broken bone and hold it in the correct position. This may involve:
inserting a surgical plate and screws at the fracture site
replacing the hip with a metal implant (prosthesis), which has a ball that fits into the hip socket and an attached stem which goes into the thigh bone to hold the implant in place.

• physical assistance
exercises or therapy to help you return to your normal level of activity
a cane or walker as advised by your doctor
aid with activities of daily living until you can return to normal activity

Prevention
Early corrective action may help alleviate many of the factors that can lead to a hip fracture. Here's what you can do:

eat a diet with nutrients for strong bones:

          - calcium (pdf file): about 1,000 milligrams daily, but check with your doctor
          - vitamin D: 400-800 units a day
          - adequate protein intake

exercise:
          - Ask your doctor before starting any exercise program.
          - weight-bearing activities such as walking
          - strengthening exercises, both upper and lower extremities

See your doctor if you are at risk for osteoporosis. Preventive medication may include:

          - hormone replacement therapy for women after menopause
          - biphosphonates
          - calcitonin

Ask your provider if any of your medications may contribute to:

          - bone loss
          - dizziness, drowsiness, or confusion

Get your eyes checked regularly.

Reduce falling hazards at work and home:

          - Clean spills and slippery areas immediately.
          - Remove tripping hazards such as loose cords, rugs and clutter.
          - Use non-slip mats in the bathtub and shower.
          - Install grab bars next to the toilet and in the shower or tub.
          - Put in handrails on both sides of stairways.
          - Walk only in well-lighted rooms, stairs, and halls.
          - Keep flashlights nearby in case of a power outage.