The evaluation of a hip fracture begins with a history and physical exam.

Physical findings in someone with a hip fracture may include:

• Bruising of the buttocks
• Bruising over the hip
• Inability to stand
• Limping
• Numbness in the leg below the hip
• Pain with movement of the hip joint
• Shortening of the leg on the affected side
• Swelling of the soft tissue over the hip
• Tenderness over the hip
• Weakness in the leg below the hip

Tests are required to make the diagnosis of a hip fracture.

Tests that may be used to evaluate a hip fracture include:

• X-rays of the hip:
• Normal hip x-rays
• Common hip fractures
• Femoral neck hip fracture
• Intertrochanteric hip fracture
• Normal hip x-ray
• Types of hip fracture
• CT scan of the hip
• MRI of the hip joint
• Bone scan