In which situation should you suspect a hip fracture in an elderly patient?

• A. Sudden onset of knee pain
• B. Inability to walk after a fall
• C. Asymptomatic joint stiffness
• D. Progressive loss of balance over time

Answer: (B)

In the context of assessing an elderly patient, an inability to walk after a fall is a strong indicator of a potential hip fracture. When an elderly individual falls, the hip is particularly susceptible to injury due to factors such as decreased bone density and the nature of the fall itself, which often involves a sideways or backward motion that places significant stress on the hip joint.

The inability to walk suggests a significant injury, and hip fractures commonly result in immediate pain and functional limitations. Patients may exhibit an externally rotated and shortened leg on the affected side, which can further support the suspicion of a fracture. Timely recognition of this symptom is critical, as hip fractures often require surgical intervention and can lead to serious complications in the elderly population if not addressed promptly.

In contrast, the other scenarios presented involve symptoms or conditions that are less directly indicative of a hip fracture. Sudden onset of knee pain may result from various issues including soft tissue injuries or osteoarthritis, rather than a hip fracture. Asymptomatic joint stiffness typically does not indicate an acute fracture and suggests more chronic conditions, while progressive loss of balance over time may be related to neurological or vestibular issues rather than a specific acute injury like a hip fracture. Hence, the context of immediate functional decline after a