Hip fractures in the elderly
Ellis, T.J.
Current Women's Health Reports 3(1): 75-80
2003
ISSN/ISBN: 1534-5874 PMID: 12521557 Document Number: 555445
The incidence of hip fractures in the elderly is increasing worldwide, with 650,000 fractures expected in the United States by the year 2050. The mechanism of injury is typically a ground-level fall. Efforts at prevention focus on reducing risk factors by aggressive medical management of comorbidities, use of protective garments, and modification of the individual's environment to lessen the chance of falling. Treatment is associated with an elevated mortality rate and compromised functional outcome.