Hip
Fracture
What
is it?
A hip
fracture is a break or crack in the hip bone. A
hip fracture usually occurs just below the outer
half of the hip joint. This area is called the
femoral neck, which is the neck of the thighbone
(femur).
Who
gets it?
Anyone
can fracture a hip, but it is more likely to occur
in people over the age of 60. This population
falls more often and develops osteoporosis, or low
bone density. At least half of men and women over
the age of 75 have osteoporosis.
What
causes it?
Hip
fractures in the elderly are usually caused by a
fall. Osteoporosis is a common cause of hip
fracture in women past menopause. When younger
people fracture a hip, it is more likely to be
caused by an automobile accident or sports-related
injury.
What
are the symptoms?
In
general, a hip fracture results in pain, swelling,
stiffness, and, sometimes, bruising from internal
bleeding. The patient cannot bear weight or
pressure on the leg, and may be unable to move the
leg without severe pain. The affected leg may look
shorter than the other and may turn outward.
How is
it diagnosed?
A hip
fracture is diagnosed by a physical examination
and x-rays of the injured area. However, some
small fractures are difficult to see on an x-ray.
In this case, your doctor may order other
diagnostic imaging tests, such as magnetic
resonance imaging (MRI) or bone scans.
What
is the treatment?
If the
bone is not separated, some hip fractures will
heal on their own with bed rest, medication for
pain, and follow-up physical therapy. However,
most hip fractures require surgery. The type of
surgery depends upon the type of break. If pieces
of the bone have broken off, the surgeon will
remove the broken pieces. Some breaks require the
insertion of metal pins to support the bone as it
heals. In some cases, the hip joint must be
replaced, either partially or completely, with an
artificial joint. Recovery time depends upon the
patient’s age and overall health. The patient
progresses from crutches or a walker to a cane for
support over an average time of six weeks.
Physical therapy helps the patient regain muscle
strength, range of motion, and mobility. It is
important for the patient to begin moving as soon
as possible after surgery to prevent complications
such as pneumonia and blood clots.
Self-care tips
Hip
fractures should be treated as quickly as possible
to avoid complications and ensure complete
healing. Weight-bearing exercise and sufficient
amounts of calcium in the diet help strengthen the
bones and prevent osteoporosis. If you are
elderly, make sure your home is free of objects
that may cause tripping, such as loose rugs and
stair treads or poorly arranged furniture. Wear
flat shoes with non-skin soles and hold onto a
handrail when going up and down stairs and getting
in and out of the bathtub. If you are unsteady,
use a cane or walker. Doctors recommend estrogen
therapy for women over the age of 50. This, as
well as calcium supplements, can help lower the
risk of osteoporosis and related bone injuries.
This information has been designed as a comprehensive and quick reference
guide written by our health care reviewers. The health information written
by our authors is intended to be a supplement to the care provided by your
physician. It is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for
professional medical advice.
|
