Hip Fractures

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. Depending on the severity, orthopedic hip surgery may be necessary.

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.

**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 cause.**