Risks:

Older adults have a greater chance of fracturing a hip because of other conditions they may have. Some conditions that increase the risk of hip fracture are osteoporosis, dizziness or problems with balance, weak muscles, poor eyesight, brain disorders, and taking medicines that may cause problems.

Ask your doctor about these risks:

• Avascular necrosis. This is when the blood supply in part of the femur is cut off for a period of time. This can cause part of the bone to die off.
• Injury to nerves or blood vessels
• Parts of your hip bone may not join together at all or in the correct position.
• Blood clots in your legs or your lungs
• Mental confusion (dementia): Many people who fracture a hip already have some problems thinking clearly. Sometimes surgery can make this problem worse.
• Pressure sores (also called pressure ulcers or bed sores) from being in bed or a chair for long periods of time.