What is a common cause of hip fractures in the elderly?

What is a common cause of hip fractures in the elderly?

• A. High-impact sports
• B. Car accidents
• C. Falls
• D. Heavy lifting

Answer: (C)

Hip fractures in the elderly are most commonly caused by falls due to a combination of factors associated with aging. As individuals age, they may experience a decline in muscle strength, balance, and bone density, making them more susceptible to falls. The impact from a fall, especially when landing on the hip, can lead to fractures in this vulnerable population. In addition to physical factors, environmental factors such as poor lighting, slippery surfaces, and the presence of obstacles can increase the risk of falls among older adults. Therefore, addressing fall risks is a critical component of prevention strategies in geriatric care. The other options, while they may contribute to injuries in different contexts, are less prevalent as causes of hip fractures specifically in the elderly. High-impact sports and heavy lifting are activities not commonly associated with this demographic, and while car accidents can lead to serious injuries, they are not the leading cause of hip fractures compared to falls.

Hip fractures in the elderly are most commonly caused by falls due to a combination of factors associated with aging. As individuals age, they may experience a decline in muscle strength, balance, and bone density, making them more susceptible to falls. The impact from a fall, especially when landing on the hip, can lead to fractures in this vulnerable population.

In addition to physical factors, environmental factors such as poor lighting, slippery surfaces, and the presence of obstacles can increase the risk of falls among older adults. Therefore, addressing fall risks is a critical component of prevention strategies in geriatric care.

The other options, while they may contribute to injuries in different contexts, are less prevalent as causes of hip fractures specifically in the elderly. High-impact sports and heavy lifting are activities not commonly associated with this demographic, and while car accidents can lead to serious injuries, they are not the leading cause of hip fractures compared to falls.