Many people fear hip fractures—and with good reason. Of all types of fractures, hip fractures have the most significant impact on the quality of life. Alarmingly, close to 25% of those over age 50 who break a hip will die within a year. In addition, 40% are unable to walk independently a year after they’ve broken a hip, and 60% are unable to perform basic activities of daily living, such as dressing themselves. Because of these devastating consequences, preserving and boosting bone mass and preventing falls and fractures are crucial.
A hip fracture usually occurs when a person falls from a standing position, with the hip taking the impact of the fall, although less traumatic falls also can cause hip fractures. More than 90% of the 350,000 hip fractures that occur each year in the United States are the result of a fall.
The rate of hip fracture begins to increase at age 50, doubling every five to six years. Nearly half of women who reach age 90 have had a hip fracture. Men account for nearly 30% of hip fractures.
The risk factors for a hip fracture are:
The symptoms of hip fracture are not subtle. They include pain in the groin or buttock, inability to put weight on the leg on the affected side, or pain when trying to bear weight. Hip fractures may also interrupt the nerves or blood vessels that supply the leg. All hip fractures require surgical repair or replacement, and treatment is often required for injuries related to the fall, such as head injuries.
