The hip joint is shaped like a ball and socket. The “ball” is the femoral head (the top of the thigh bone/femur) and the “socket” is the acetabulum (pelvis), which is shaped like a cup. Ligaments, tendons and muscles hold the bones in place. A hip fracture is a break or crack in either the neck or head of the femur or in both the ball and socket. It is a serious condition that can cause a lot of pain and potentially be life-threatening. If you suspect you have broken your hip, you must seek urgent medical attention.