Hip fracture. Risk factors, preoperative assessment, and postoperative management.

Hip fracture commonly results from falls in elderly patients, many of whom have osteoporosis. Hospitalization is typically required for surgical management, and the postoperative course is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. The authors discuss the primary care physician's role in diagnosing hip fracture, assessing the patient's clinical status, and managing patients after surgery. A key role is the coordination of a multidisciplinary team to ensure optimum outcome.