Can osteoporosis cause hip fracture?

Osteoporosis reduces the internal strength of bone. At the hip, the vulnerable area is usually the upper part of the femur, or thigh bone, rather than the pelvic socket itself. A fracture may follow a fall from standing height, and very fragile bone can sometimes break with a twisting movement before the person falls.

A hip fracture can present with severe groin or outer-hip pain, inability to stand or put weight through the leg, and a leg that looks shortened or turned outward. Some impacted fractures cause less dramatic pain and may still allow limited walking, so persistent pain after a fall deserves prompt assessment.

Keep the injured person still and supported, and do not ask them to test the leg by walking. Arrange emergency evaluation; imaging is used to confirm the injury and locate the break. Treatment is chosen according to the fracture pattern, overall health and previous mobility, and commonly involves an operation followed by rehabilitation.

Once immediate treatment is underway, ask for a bone-health review. This may include a bone-density scan, blood tests for contributors to bone loss, review of medicines, and discussion of osteoporosis treatment. Rehabilitation also addresses muscle strength, safe transfers, walking aids and fall hazards at home.

Seek emergency care for hip or groin pain after a fall when the person cannot stand, cannot bear weight, or the leg appears shortened or rotated. Call for urgent help as well if the person is faint, confused, has an open wound, or has a cold, pale or numb foot. Do not delay because pain seems moderate if walking remains difficult.

Ask where the bone is broken, what treatment and rehabilitation are proposed, when weight-bearing may begin, and what support will be needed at home. Also ask how osteoporosis will be assessed and managed to lower the risk of another fragility fracture.