A hip fracture is the breaking of the head or neck of your upper leg bone, the femur. This happens in about 200,000 adults over the age of 65 every year. Hip fracture is more common in women than men.

Why does it happen so much in older adults? As we grow older, our bones get weaker. This is especially true for women after menopause. In women over age 75, hip fracture happens to one out of every hundred women every year.

Hip fractures are commonly a result of falls, but can also result from auto accidents. In some people with severe osteoporosis, cancer, neurological or kidney disease, a hip fracture can happen if they just turn over in bed. People with hip fractures may have pain in the hip, or they might just have pain in the knee and not in the broken hip at all.

The best treatment for hip fractures is to prevent them in the first place. Get plenty of calcium and weight bearing exercise. Osteoporosis in women after menopause may be slowed by taking hormones. Use canes or walkers if you are unsteady. Don't sit in chairs that lean back too far, since getting up from these chairs can cause problems. Have rails installed in showers, bathtubs, and staircases. Using a shower chair can be a big help.

Surgery is almost always needed after a hip fracture. Pins, nails, screws, or rods are used to repair fractures. Most people will need physical therapy afterwards.

About two-thirds of older adults are expected to return to their former state of health after treatment for a hip fracture. If you suspect someone has a hip fracture, do not try to move the person, even if they seem very uncomfortable. Do not try to straighten the leg. You may cause further damage. Call 911 or an emergency medical service immediately.

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