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Hip Fracture Causes & Risks

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)
  • Heredity
    • Family history of fractures later in life
    • Small-boned, slender body (low body weight)
    • Caucasian or Asian race
  • 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.

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