What is a hip fracture?

The hip joint is a ball and socket joint between your pelvis and thigh bone (femur). A hip fracture is when the top part of your thigh bone breaks.

A hip fracture can also be called:

• a neck of femur fracture
• a proximal femoral fracture

What causes hip fractures?

Hip fractures often occur in older people. Most commonly, they occur following a fall from standing. The bone strength of an older person is weaker, and having osteoporosis or a bone disease will further weaken the bone. With slower reflexes, it is more difficult to break the fall and the hip may take most of the pressure.