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Hip Fracture

A hip fracture is a break in the upper part of the thighbone (femur) where the thighbone joins the pelvis to form the hip joint. Most hip fractures occur in the area just below the ball of the femur (femoral neck region) and the area just below this (intertrochanteric region). A hip fracture almost always completely breaks the bone. A partial break in the bone (hairline fracture) may occur. But a partial break is not as common and may not show up on an X-ray.

ByHealthwise Staff
Primary Medical ReviewerWilliam H. Blahd, Jr., MD, FACEP - Emergency Medicine
Specialist Medical ReviewerKenneth J. Koval, MD - Orthopedic Surgery, Orthopedic Trauma
Last RevisedMay 10, 2011

WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: May 10, 2011
This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information.

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