Hip Fracture Overview

A hip fracture is a break in the upper part of the thigh bone (femur) near its articulation with the pelvis. A hip fracture may make it difficult to walk, bear weight, stand or sit. An appointment with a Carolina Orthopaedic and Neurosurgical Associates (CONA) hip specialist should be made as soon as possible after an accident or injury causes hip fracture symptoms.

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.

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.