From the Vault: Hip fractures in the elderly, like Tun Mahathir, are serious

Dr Suhail shows what a fractured neck of femur looks like when taken apart. — Photos: RAJA FAISAL HISHAN/The Star

Fractures in the geriatric population are almost always caused by a combination of weak bones from osteoporosis and a fall.

Of particular concern are hip fractures as they carry a high death rate, especially since the elderly often have multiple illnesses and functional impairments as well.