In an elderly patient, osteoporosis is most commonly associated with which type of fracture?

• A. Hip fracture
• B. Vertebral fracture
• C. Wrist fracture
• D. Skull fracture

Answer: (A)

Fragility fractures from osteoporosis occur when bone density falls enough that even minor trauma can cause a break. The hip is particularly vulnerable in the elderly because the femoral neck and intertrochanteric regions bear a lot of weight and are stressed during common falls. As bone loss progresses with aging (and estrogen deficiency after menopause), these weight-bearing areas become fragile, so a simple fall or even daily activities can result in a hip fracture. While vertebral compression fractures are also common and may be underdiagnosed, a hip fracture stands out as the most clinically significant and frequently associated osteoporotic fracture in older adults.