The commonest hip injury in the elderly patients is:
**Core Concept**
The commonest hip injury in elderly patients is related to the biomechanical changes and bone density loss associated with osteoporosis, which increases the risk of fractures. The hip joint is subjected to a significant amount of stress, making it prone to fractures, especially in the elderly population.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The correct answer is **C. Intertrochanteric fracture**. Intertrochanteric fractures occur when the femoral neck is subjected to a significant amount of force, causing a fracture in the intertrochanteric region of the femur. This type of fracture is common in elderly patients due to osteoporosis, which weakens the bone structure and increases the risk of fractures. The intertrochanteric region is a common site for fractures because it is a weight-bearing area and is subjected to a lot of stress.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
* **Option A:** **Subcapital fracture** is a type of femoral neck fracture that occurs near the top of the femur. While it is a common hip injury, it is not the most common type of hip fracture in the elderly population.
* **Option B:** **Femoral shaft fracture** is a type of fracture that occurs in the middle of the femur. This type of fracture is less common in the elderly population and is often associated with high-energy trauma.
* **Option D:** **Sacral fracture** is a type of fracture that occurs in the sacrum, which is a part of the pelvis. While it is a possible hip injury, it is not the most common type of hip fracture in the elderly population.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
The most common cause of hip fractures in the elderly population is a fall from standing height, which highlights the importance of fall prevention measures, such as using assistive devices, improving balance, and removing tripping hazards.
**Correct Answer: C. Intertrochanteric fracture**