Causes
Factors that may contribute to a hip fracture include:
- Falls (the most frequent cause of hip fractures)
- Osteoporosis —a bone-thinning condition that weakens all bones including the hip
- Motor vehicle accidents and other types of major trauma
- Stress fractures in athletes (rare)
- Bone conditions such as osteomalacia (rare)
- Bone tumors (rare)
Risk Factors
A risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting a disease or condition.
- Previous hip fracture or history of falling
- Age: 65 years or older
- Sex: female (especially after menopause)
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Heredity
- Family history of fractures later in life
- Small-boned, slender body (low body weight)
- Caucasian or Asian race
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Others:
- Poor nutrition
- Deficient intake or absorption of calcium and vitamin D
- Low body weight
- Physical inactivity
- Weakness
- Poor balance and coordination
- Smoking
- Excessive alcohol use
- Chronic disease or fragile health
- Irregular heart beat or low blood pressure
- Arthritis
- Parkinson's disease
- History of stroke
- Mental impairments including Alzheimer’s disease
- Problems with vision
- Certain medications which cause dizziness, drowsiness, or weakness
- Systemic cortisone or other steroids
- Excess thyroid hormone
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Copyright © 2024 EBSCO Publishing All rights reserved.