The fracture type most linked to death and disability is which of the following?

• A. Hip fractures
• B. Spiral fractures
• C. Avulsion fractures
• D. Stress fractures

Answer: (A)

Hip fractures in older adults carry the highest risk of death and long‑term disability. When the hip breaks, surgery is usually needed and recovery depends a lot on overall health and mobility before the injury. Immobilization after a hip fracture can lead to serious complications—pneumonia, blood clots, urinary infections, delirium, and skin or muscle wasting—so many people lose their independence and function. Even with treatment, mortality within the first year is significantly higher compared with other fracture types, which is why this fracture is most closely linked to death and disability.

Spiral fractures, avulsion fractures, and stress fractures can be serious, but they don’t typically carry the same level of systemic risk or long-term functional decline, especially in the populations most affected by fractures.