OverviewA hip fracture is a serious injury, with complications that can be life-threatening. The risk of hip fracture rises with age. Show
Risk increases because bones tend to weaken with age (osteoporosis). Multiple medications, poor vision and balance problems also make older people more likely to fall — one of the most common causes of hip fracture. A hip fracture almost always requires surgical repair or replacement, followed by physical therapy. Taking steps to maintain bone density and avoid falls can help prevent a hip fracture. SymptomsSigns and symptoms of a hip fracture include:
CausesA severe impact, such as a car crash, can cause hip fractures in people of all ages. In older adults, a hip fracture is most often a result of a fall from a standing height. In people with very weak bones, a hip fracture can occur simply by standing on the leg and twisting. Risk factorsMany things can increase the risk of hip fractures. Your age and sexBone density and muscle mass tend to decrease with age. Older people can also have problems with vision and balance, which can increase the risk of falling. Hip fractures occur in women about three times more often than they do in men. Women lose bone density faster than men do, in part because the drop in estrogen levels that occurs with menopause accelerates bone loss. However, men also can develop dangerously low levels of bone density. Medical conditionsThe risk of hip fracture can be increased if you have:
Certain medicationsCortisone medications, such as prednisone, can weaken bones if taken long-term. Certain drugs or certain combinations of medications can cause dizziness, which can increase the risk of falling. The most common drugs associated with falls include sleep medications, antipsychotics and sedatives. Nutritional problemsLack of calcium and vitamin D in the diet of young people lowers peak bone mass and increases risk of fracture later in life. It's also important to get enough calcium and vitamin D in older age to try to maintain bone density. Being underweight also increases the risk of bone loss. Lifestyle choicesLack of regular weight-bearing exercise, such as walking, can result in weakened bones and muscles, making falls and fractures more likely. Tobacco and alcohol both can interfere with the normal processes of bone building and maintenance, resulting in bone loss. ComplicationsA hip fracture can reduce independence and sometimes shorten life. About half the people who have a hip fracture aren't able to regain the ability to live independently. When hip fractures prevent movement for a long time, complications can include:
PreventionHealthy lifestyle choices in early adulthood build a higher peak bone mass and reduce the risk of osteoporosis in later years. The same measures adopted at any age might lower the risk of falls and improve overall health. To avoid falls and to maintain healthy bone:
What fracture is characterized by severe pain and loss of function causing leg to externally rotate?Patients with hip fracture typically present to the emergency department or their physician's office after a fall. They are often unable to walk, and they may exhibit shortening and external rotation of the affected limb. Frequently, they have hip pain.
Which term refers to a fracture in which one side of a bone is broken and the other side is bent?greenstick fracture, in which your bone is broken on one side, while the other side is bent.
Which of the following is a factor that inhibits fracture healing?An adequate balanced diet and sufficient amounts of vitamin D and vitamin C are essential for normal fracture healing. Conditions that compromise fracture healing include diabetes, hypothyroidism, excessive chronic alcohol use, and smoking.
Which type of fracture involves a break through only part of the cross section of the bone?Incomplete or partial fracture – This is a crack that does not completely break the bone into two or more pieces.
|