If more pressure is put on a bone than it can stand, it will split or break. A break of any size is called a fracture. Hip fractures occur as a result of major or minor trauma. Elderly patients are especially at risk for hip fractures. Several possible complications that can be life-threatening may occur while recovering from a hip fracture. Complications may include risk for pneumonia or a blood clot in the leg (DVT), which can dislodge and travel to cause a blood clot in the lung (PE).

Hip fractures are a common cause of health decline (morbidity) among the elderly, and are associated with a significant increase in the risk for subsequent death from complications. Better processes of care in hospitals may reduce the risk of death (mortality) from hip fractures.