The hip is a joint that allows the leg to move forward and
backward, as well as side-to-side. It consists of a ball (the
head) at the top of the thigh bone (femur) inserted into a
socket made from the bones of the pelvis. Usually, the term hip
fracture refers to a break in the head of the femur. Hip
Fractures in the Elderly It's possible to break a hip at any
age, but it's much more likely to happen to the Medicare crowd.
Bones get less dense and more brittle as we age, making any
fracture more likely as we get older. Hips take quite a beating
in the later years because we're much more likely to fall as we
age as well. The best way to avoid a hip fracture is to take
precautions to avoid falling. Hip Fracture Symptoms Hip
fractures hurt. In some cases, that's the only symptom. Consider
the possibility of a hip fracture in any older adult with hip
pain after a fall, especially if he or she is unable to move the
leg. A more complete list of hip fracture signs and symptoms
include: - Inability to move - The injur