In which age group are hip fractures most commonly seen?

Hip fractures are most commonly seen in elderly individuals, particularly post-menopausal women, due to a combination of factors that increase their risk of falls and decrease bone density. As people age, they often experience a reduction in bone strength, which is exacerbated in women after menopause due to a decrease in estrogen levels, a hormone that plays a crucial role in maintaining bone density. This demographic has a higher prevalence of osteoporosis, a condition characterized by weak and brittle bones, making them more susceptible to fractures from even minor falls or accidents.

The other age groups mentioned typically experience hip fractures less frequently. Teenagers engaged in sports are more likely to sustain soft tissue injuries or fractures of the extremities rather than hip fractures, which are less common due to the overall strength and flexibility of their bones. Adults aged 30-40 may experience fractures, but they are usually the result of high-energy trauma rather than age-related factors. Children under the age of 10 have more elastic bones and are less likely to incur hip fractures, as their higher activity levels often result in different types of injuries. Thus, the statistical trend points clearly to the elderly, particularly post-menopausal women, as the group where hip fractures are most prevalent.