A fracture of the ball at the top of the femur.
A fracture of the proximal portion of the femur, i.e., of either the head, neck, intertrochanteric or subtrochanteric regions of that bone. Hip fracture occurs each year in approximately 225,000 Americans older than 50. It is more common in women than men as a result of osteoporosis and is especially common in slender, elderly women. Mortality rates following hip fracture are influenced by the patient’s age, general physical health, and the type of fracture.