A hip fracture is classified as a severe injury that can lead to significant mobility issues and complications. The risk of experiencing a hip fracture rises with age and is usually treated with a combination of surgery, physical therapy, and pain management.
A hip fracture is a break in the upper portion of the thigh bone (femur) near the hip joint. It most often occurs in elderly patients because bones tend to weaken with age due to osteoporosis. In younger people, this fracture is typically a result of a high-energy event like a vehicle collision or a fall from a height.
Hip fractures tend to be very painful and uncomfortable, and in most cases, prompt surgical treatment is recommended. The right treatment, advised by the best orthopedic doctor in Bangalore, followed by physical therapy, helps the patient get out of bed as soon as possible. This prevents medical complications like bed sores, pneumonia, and blood clots. Read on to learn more about the causes, symptoms, and treatments of hip fractures.
Causes of Hip Fractures
Anyone can suffer sudden trauma that can cause a broken bone or hip. However, hip fractures can be caused due to specific reasons as well, including:
- In adults older than 65: Bone density and muscle mass tend to decrease with age and therefore elderly people are more at risk of getting hip fractures.
- Specific Health Conditions: People with certain health conditions that weaken their bones like osteoporosis or osteopenia are likely to get a hip fracture. Moreover, the risk of hip fractures is further increased in people with medical conditions that affect balance or the ability to walk and move. These include:
- Parkinson’s disease
- Peripheral Neuropathy
- Vertigo
- Gait Abnormalities
- Epilepsy
- Sex: As women lose bone density faster than men, hip fractures occur in women about three times more often than they do in men.
- Lifestyle: Athletes who play high-intensity contact sports are always at risk of sustaining injuries and hip fractures. On the other hand, overweight individuals who are physically not active tend to have weakened bones and muscles, making falls and fractures most likely.
- Trauma:Hip fractures are caused by severe trauma, such as car accidents, sports injuries, or falls.
Symptoms of Hip Fracture
The signs and symptoms of a hip fracture can be felt quite acutely and these include:
- Severe pain in the hip or groin region
- Inability to walk or get up after a fall
- Swelling and bruising in and around the injured area
- Inability to put weight on the leg or the side of the injured hip
- Deformity- shorter leg on the side of the injured hip or outward turning of the leg on the injured side of the hip
How is Hip Fracture Diagnosed?
A hip fracture is diagnosed by a professional doctor through a physical exam based on your symptoms and the abnormal position of the hip and leg. Your healthcare provider will use at least one of the following types of imaging test to detect and confirm the severity and location of the fracture:
- Hip X-ray
- MRI (magnetic resonance imaging)
- CT Scan (computed tomography scan)
Treatment of Hip Fracture
In most cases of hip fracture, surgical intervention is required, combined with rehabilitation, and medication to manage pain. The type of surgery a patient requires depends on the severity and type of hip fracture you have suffered and if you have any other injuries or health conditions.
The surgical options to treat hip fracture include:
- Hip Replacement: Also known as hip arthroplasty, this surgery is usually performed on adults older than 65 who may need a total or partial hip replacement.
- Open Reduction and Internal Fixation (ORIF): In this procedure, the surgeon inserts screws, metal rods, pins, or plates into the femur to secure the pieces of bone in place while they heal.
- Physical Therapy
Rehabilitation or physical therapy for hip fractures usually focuses on range-of-motion and strengthening exercises. Depending on the type of surgery, going to an extended care facility or a rehabilitation centre might be necessary. An occupational therapist helps the patient and teaches techniques to promote independence in daily life. The therapist also determines if a walker or wheelchair might be needed to regain mobility.
Conclusion
Early detection and prompt intervention are crucial in the treatment of hip fractures and also in preventing severe complications. If you are at risk or suspect, you have a hip fracture, consulting expert orthopaedics at Apollo Speciality Hospital Jayanagar can provide you with the specialised care and treatment necessary to manage your condition effectively.
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