Hip Fractures
Hip Fracture Overview
Symptoms & Causes:
Hip fracture symptoms usually present immediately after an accident or injury and may include:
- Anatomical abnormality (the leg turns outward)
- Bruising
- Difficulty getting up off the ground
- Difficulty bearing weight, standing or walking
- Severe hip and/or groin pain
- Stiffness
- Swelling
Common hip fracture causes include:
- A direct blow to the hip
- Falls
- Motor vehicle accidents
- Osteoarthritis
- Osteoporosis
- Sports injuries
Common Treatments:
A CONA hip specialist diagnoses a hip fracture and prescribes an appropriate treatment plan. Nonsurgical treatment options treat non-displaced (the bone is still properly aligned) fractures:
- Pain and anti-inflammatory medications
- Immobilization
- Physical therapy
Displaced Fractures (the bone is not properly aligned) may require surgical intervention:
- Open reduction internal fixation (ORIF). The fractured bone is reduced and pins or a metal plate and screws hold it in place.
- Partial or total hip arthroplasty. The bone is removed and replaced with implants to form a new, functional hip joint.
Fractured bones heal and fuse to form a single solid bone over the course of several months. Physical therapy after surgery increases strength, flexibility, and function.
Diagnosis:
A CONA specialist uses a step-by-step approach to make an accurate diagnosis:
- An accident or injury report is obtained
- Multiple view x-rays are taken and analyzed
- A physical examination is performed
The fracture is diagnosed, severity is determined and an appropriate treatment plan is prescribed.
**Women who have hip pain and are over the age of 50 are encouraged to make an appointment with a CONA hip specialist as soon as possible to find out if osteoporosis is the hip pain causes.**