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Tests and diagnosis

By Mayo Clinic staff

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Illustration showing locations of hip fractures Hip fractures

Often your doctor can determine that you have a hip fracture based on your symptoms and by observing the abnormal position of your hip and leg. An X-ray will confirm that you have a fracture and show exactly what part of your hip is fractured.

Most hip fractures occur in one of two locations along your femur, the long bone that extends from your pelvis to your knee:

  • The femoral neck. The femoral neck is located in the upper portion of your femur, just below its head, which is the ball part of the ball-and-socket joint.
  • The intertrochanteric region. This region is the portion of your upper femur that juts outward.

DS00185

Jan. 9, 2008

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