A hip fracture is a serious injury, particularly if you're older, and complications can be life threatening. Fortunately, surgery to repair a hip fracture is usually very effective, although recovery often requires time and patience. Most people make a good recovery from a hip fracture. Generally, the better your health and mobility before your hip fracture, the better your chances for a complete recovery from a hip fracture Most people who have had a hip fracture do not regain the level of independence they had before the injury. And, approximately half of those who have had a hip fracture require some kind of assisting device, such as a walker, to ease movement after recovery.

Hip fracture however is also related to both bone strength and mechanical stress placed on the bone. In the majority of cases hip fracture typically results from a fall. Since most elderly subjects are osteopenic, the likelihood of falling with age becomes an important risk factor.It has been proposed that the incidence of hip fracture is 85% explained by underlying bone mass and 15% by age.

The annual rate of hip fracture worldwide is expected to rise considerably as life expectancy and age-specific rates of hip fracture increase. Therefore, preventive strategies are urgently needed. In elderly women, 90% of hip fractures are attributable to osteoporosis

Symptoms of Hip Fracture

Symptoms of a hip fracture may include:

Severe pain in your hip or groin .

Inability to put weight on your leg on the side of your injured hip.

Stiffness, bruising and swelling in and around your hip area.

Shorter leg on the side of your injured hip.

Turning outward of your leg on the side of your injured hip.

Causes of Hip Fracture

The most common cause of hip fractures is a fall. In some individuals with osteoporosis, the bones have become so brittle that the fracture can occur spontaneously simply from bearing weight.

Age is a major risk factor for hip fractures. Other risks include:

Alcoholism

Living in an urban area

An inactive lifestyle

Alcoholism

Diagnosis of Hip Fracture

Your doctor will X-ray both of your hips to determine exactly where the bone broke and how far out of place the pieces have moved. If the fracture does not show up on X-rays, you might also get a MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scan. Most hip fractures are one of two types:

Femoral neck fractures are 1-2 inches from the joint.

Intertrochanteric fractures are 3-4 inches from the joint.

Treatment of Hip Fracture

Hip fractures can almost always be repaired with orthopedic surgery. The usual surgery involves opening up the hip joint and placing a pin internally through the neck of the femur into the femoral head. Sometimes other "hardware" is used to keep this pin stable until the fracture is healed. New fixating techniques are being used to securely stabilize fractures, enabling individuals to get out of bed shortly after surgery.

An important aspect of hip surgery is the team concept involving orthopedic specialist, nurses, physical therapists, social workers, family and friends. This helps address and avoid many of the problems that reduced function from a hip fracture can create. Home care programs for the elderly are becoming increasingly popular.

Prevention of Hip Fracture

Eat a diet with nutrients for strong bones:

Adequate protein intake

Undertake weight-bearing activities such as

Walking

Strengthening exercises

Get your eyes checked regularly.

Clean spills and slippery areas immediately.

Remove tripping hazards such as loose cords, rugs and clutter.

Use non-slip mats in the bathtub and shower.

Install grab bars next to the toilet and in the shower or tub.

Put in handrails on both sides of stairways.

Walk only in well-lighted rooms, stairs, and halls.

Keep flashlights nearby in case of a power outage.

General Care of Hip Fracture

After a hip fracture, you'll need the help of a walking aid, such as a cane, walker or crutches, for several months.

Get some to help you in doing daily activities, such as bathing, dressing and cooking.

Following your doctor's and therapist's instructions and taking good care of yourself this will help speed the healing process and increase your chances for a full recovery.

Call The Doctor

Seek medical aid immediately.

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