Hip Fracture

What is a Hip Fracture?

A hip fracture is a break of your hip bone. It is a serious injury but is often very effectively treated.

How Does it Happen?

As we age, our bones grow weaker. So you are more apt to sustain a hip fracture when you are older. Fractures are usually the result of a fall or a severe blow to the joint, such as from a car accident.

What are the Signs and Symptoms?

Most likely, you will feel a hip fracture as soon as it happens. Symptoms include these:

• Severe pain in your hip or around your groin
• Swelling or bruising around your hip
• Inability to move after a fall or accident
• A turning outward of your leg on the injured side

How is it Diagnosed?

Often your doctor will be able to diagnose a hip fracture just by examining you and asking about your symptoms. An x-ray may be used to confirm the diagnosis. In some cases, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computerized tomography (CT) scans will be used to look for smaller fractures.

How is it Treated?

Hip fractures are usually treated with fracture repair surgery. Depending on the damage, your procedure may involve inserting metal screws for stability, repairing the femur, or total joint replacement.

What is the Prognosis?

Following surgery, you will require physical therapy and occupational therapy, probably for several weeks. This may feel like a long process, but most people report favorable results. Your doctor may also prescribe bone density medication to help prevent future fractures.