Prevention of hip fractures: medical and nonmedical management

Hip fractures can have a significant detrimental effect on morbidity and mortality. Medical and nonmedical management approaches both may be used to help decrease the risk of hip fracture. Medical management includes the use of antiresorptive agents such as the bisphosphonates, calcium and vitamin D, selective estrogen receptor modulators, and anabolic agents such as parathyroid hormone, which strengthen bone. Nonmedical management includes fall prevention programs and hip protectors. Physicians caring for patients at risk for hip fracture should be cognizant of these management approaches to most effectively minimize fracture risk.