What type of fracture is most common in elderly women as a result of falls?

The most common fracture in elderly women as a result of falls is indeed the proximal femur fracture, often referred to as a hip fracture. This type of fracture typically occurs during falls due to the decreased bone density and increased fragility that are common in postmenopausal women. Osteoporosis, a condition that weakens bones, significantly raises the risk of these fractures.

When a person falls, the impact is often directed through the hip joint, leading to a fracture in this area. Proximal femur fractures can have serious implications, including prolonged immobility, complications from surgery, and significant impacts on quality of life.

In contrast, while other types of fractures such as humeral shaft fractures, distal radius fractures, and pelvic fractures can occur in the elderly, they are less commonly associated specifically with falls in elderly women compared to the proximal femur fracture. Each of those fractures might occur under different circumstances or types of falls, but the proximal femur fracture stands out as the primary concern due to its connection with lower extremity trauma during falls, particularly in this population.