A hip fracture usually occurs in the upper part of the thigh bone (femur), near the hip joint.

This type of fracture mainly occurs as a result of a fall or a direct impact on the bone, such as in a car accident. Osteoporosis and osteopenia can contribute to weakened bone integrity and increase the risk of fracture.

Older people and post-menopausal women are at higher risk of a hip fracture.

A stress fracture can occur following a period of overtraining and can also lead to a hip fracture.