Learn About Medical Conditions

You can break your hip at any age, but most hospitalizations for hip fractures are for people older than age 65. As you age, your bones become less dense as they slowly lose minerals. Gradual loss of density weakens bones and makes them more susceptible to a hip fracture. (see osteoporosis)

Women are two to three times as likely as men are to experience a hip fracture. That’s because women lose bone density at a greater rate than men do.

A hip fracture is a serious injury, particularly if you’re older, and complications can be life-threatening. Fortunately, surgery to repair a hip fracture is usually very effective, although recovery often requires time and patience. Most people make a good recovery from a hip fracture.

What are the rehabilitation goals?

Recovering from a hip fracture involves a lengthy period of rehabilitation. The goal of rehabilitation is to help you regain mobility. You’ll learn how to gradually place more weight on your hip until it can handle your full weight without pain. You will also learn how to sit, stand and walk so that you don’t re-injure your hip or damage your prosthesis, if you have one.

Rehabilitation will also help you learn new ways to accomplish daily activities without risking further injury.