Which statement about risk factors for hip fracture is true?

Which statement about risk factors for hip fracture is true?

• A. Only decreased bone density is a risk factor
• B. Decreased bone density, impaired balance, cognitive impairment, and history of falls are risk factors
• C. Regular exercise is a risk factor
• D. Young age is a risk factor

Answer: (B)

Hip fracture risk is multifactorial. Low bone density weakens the bones, making fractures more likely with minor trauma. However, many hip fractures result from falls, so factors that increase fall risk are crucial: impaired balance and cognitive impairment raise the chances of a fall, and a history of falls strongly predicts future fractures. Regular exercise actually lowers fracture risk by improving strength and balance, so it is not a risk factor. Young age is not linked to higher hip fracture risk. Together, decreased bone density, impaired balance, cognitive impairment, and history of falls capture the main risk factors.

Hip fracture risk is multifactorial. Low bone density weakens the bones, making fractures more likely with minor trauma. However, many hip fractures result from falls, so factors that increase fall risk are crucial: impaired balance and cognitive impairment raise the chances of a fall, and a history of falls strongly predicts future fractures. Regular exercise actually lowers fracture risk by improving strength and balance, so it is not a risk factor. Young age is not linked to higher hip fracture risk. Together, decreased bone density, impaired balance, cognitive impairment, and history of falls capture the main risk factors.