Hip Fractures: Treatment, Symptoms & Prevention
Hip fractures are common in women over the age of 65. About 250,000 hip fractures occur every year that happen because of trauma from falling, weakening of the bones or from repetitive movements that can cause stress fractures.
The symptoms of a hip fracture can vary depending on the severity and location of the injury. In general, common signs of a hip fracture may include pain, swelling, bruising, muscle weakness or numbness in the affected area, difficulty walking or bearing weight on the injured leg, and an inability to move or flex the hip normally.
A CHRISTUS Health physician will help you improve quality of life, whether you need hip surgery or you need to strengthen your muscles around your joints through physical therapy.
Treatment for Hip Fractures
If you suffer from a hip fracture, your treatment will depend on the severity of your injury and the specific type of fracture that you have. In most cases, surgery is required to repair the broken bone and stabilize it as it heals.
This may involve inserting screws or metal rods into the affected area to help keep it stable. Physical therapy may also be necessary to help you regain strength and flexibility in your hip or leg.
Depending on your individual situation, other treatments such as medications or orthopedic braces may be recommended as well. With proper care and recovery, most people with hip fractures are able to make a full recovery.
Common Types of Hip Fractures
Femoral Neck Fracture
A fracture that affects the upper part of the thigh bone (femur). This type of fracture is very serious and may require surgery to repair.
Treatment for femoral neck fractures typically involves surgery to repair the bone. In some cases, a metal rod may be inserted into the bone to help support and stabilize it as it heals.
Physical therapy may also be necessary to help regain strength and range of motion in the affected leg or hip.
Intertrochanteric Region Fracture
A fracture that affects the intertrochanteric region, which is the area where the thigh bone (femur) meets the hipbone. This type of fracture is typically caused by a fall or direct blow to the hip.
Treatment for an intertrochanteric region fracture typically involves surgery to repair the broken bone and stabilize it as it heals. Physical therapy may also be necessary to help regain strength and range of motion in the affected leg or hip.
Pelvic Fracture
A pelvic fracture is a serious injury that occurs when one of the bones in your pelvis breaks. Common causes of pelvic fractures include car accidents, high-speed falls, and sports injuries.
Symptoms of a pelvic fracture may include pain, swelling, bruising around the injured area, difficulty walking or bearing weight on the affected leg, and an inability to move or flex the hip normally. Without proper treatment, complications such as blood loss and infection can occur.