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:

1. Open reduction internal fixation (ORIF). The fractured bone is reduced and pins or a metal plate and screws hold it in place.
2. 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.