Hip fractures and osteoporosis

Concerned about your risk? Connect with our experts

A hip fracture is much more than a broken bone. When it occurs in older adults, it can be deadly. That’s why, facing a growing population of mature adults, healthcare providers are taking a closer look at how to prevent hip fractures and one of their main contributing factors — the bone-robbing condition of osteoporosis.

Hip fractures: the problem
A hip fracture is a break in the thighbone just below the hip joint. Most occur in postmenopausal white women, with one in seven at risk of eventually suffering a fracture. The main reason older people are so vulnerable is because the bones can become progressively weak, due in large part to osteoporosis.

Healthy bones constantly rebuild themselves. A main component of bone — calcium — is continually absorbed by the body and then replaced. “If a person does not get enough calcium from his or her diet, the body takes calcium from the bone, which results in bone loss,” said Krista Lamoy, RN, ONC, fragility fracture coordinator at Novant Health Charlotte Orthopedic Hospital. Over time, the bones weaken, and the risk of breakage increases. In fact, one in two women and one in five men over age 65 will have bone fractures related to osteoporosis.

Most hip fractures among adults over age 65 are caused by falls. And once the break occurs, these patients have a hard time returning to the same quality of life. What’s worse, according the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one out of five hip fracture patients dies within a year of his/her injury.

Preventing hip fractures
Preventing hip fractures goes hand-in-hand with osteoporosis prevention. The CDC says that when combined with osteoporosis screening and treatment, fall prevention strategies and exercise provide the most effective protection against a hip fracture.

To reduce falls, make changes around your home to eliminate fall hazards such as clutter on floors and stairs, loose rugs and electrical cords. Have your vision checked annually by an eye doctor and update eyeglasses to maximize vision. Consider purchasing a pair with single vision distance lenses for activities such as walking outside.

There are other steps we can all take to help prevent osteoporosis and subsequent hip fractures:

• Get enough calcium and vitamin D. Calcium keeps the bones strong, and vitamin D plays a role in how the body uses that calcium. Premenopausal women and men younger than age 71 should get at least 1,000 mg of calcium and 600 IU of vitamin D a day. Postmenopausal women and men ages 71 and older need 1,200 mg of calcium and 800 IU of vitamin D. An eight-ounce glass of milk provides 300 mg of calcium and 100 IU of vitamin D.
• Do not smoke, and drink alcohol only in moderation. Tobacco and excessive alcohol contribute to bone loss.
• Talk to your healthcare provider. Find out if there are other things you can do based on your particular healthcare needs. Also ask your doctor to review the medicines you take to identify drugs with side effects that may cause dizziness or drowsiness.

A hip fracture is a medical emergency. If you suspect one, don’t wait to seek proper care. “Signs of a hip fracture include severe hip or groin pain, loss of mobility after falling, stiffness, bruising or swelling around the injured area,” said Lamoy. “If you experience any of these symptoms, call 911 immediately.” The dedicated clinicians at Charlotte Orthopedic Hospital are experts at treating hip fractures.

Click here to learn more