Causes

In older individuals a fall is the most frequent cause for a proximal femur fracture (approximately of 90% of all hip fractures). Even a fall from a standing position can lead to a proximal femur fracture in this patient group. A fall can be the consequence of medical conditions including limited vision, balance problems, sudden loss in blood pressure and heart arrhythmia causing people to faint.

A stress fracture of the proximal femur in the elderly is due to bone weakening by osteoporosis. This type of fractures does not require a traumatic impact or a fall to occur. Women with an average age of 80 years are particularly vulnerable to a proximal femur fracture having an 8 to 10 ratio of incidence compared to men. In the younger population a proximal femur fracture is rare and arises from high energy trauma such as car accidents or falls from a significant height.