Hip Fracture

A Hip Fracture is a break in the thighbone just below the hip joint. The hip joint consists of a ball at the top of the femur (thighbone) and a rounded socket in the pelvis. Most hip fractures occur in the femur several inches below the hip joint.

Causes

Factors that may contribute to a Hip Fracture include:
  • Falls, the most frequent cause of hip fractures
  • Osteoporosis - a bone-thinning disease that weakens the thighbone
  • Motor vehicle accidents and other types of major trauma
  • Stress fractures in athletes (rare)
  • Bone diseases such as osteomalacia (rare)
  • Bone tumors (rare)

Risk Factors

A risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting a disease or condition.
  • Previous hip fracture
  • Age: 65 years or older
  • Sex: Female (especially after menopause)
  • Heredity
    • Family history of fractures later in life
    • Small-boned, slender body
    • Tall stature
    • Caucasian or Asian race
  • Nutrition
    • Low body weight
    • Deficient intake or absorption of calcium and vitamin D
  • Personal habits
    • Smoking
    • Excessive alcohol use
    • Physical inactivity
  • Physical impairments
    • More than one chronic disease
    • Weakness, fragile health or a history of falling
    • Difficulties with activities of daily living
    • Poor balance and coordination
    • Irregular heart beat or low blood pressure
    • Problems with vision
    • Arthritis
    • Parkinson's disease
    • Stroke
  • Mental impairments
    • Memory problems
    • Alzheimers disease
  • Medications
    • Drugs that cause dizziness, drowsiness or weakness
    • Cortisone
    • Excess thyroid hormone
    • Multiple medicines used together

Symptoms

Symptoms may include:
  • Pain in the hip, or sometimes, the knee
  • Difficulty or inability to stand, walk or move the hip
  • Abnormal appearance of the broken leg:
    • Looks shorter
    • Turns outward

Diagnosis

The doctor will ask about your symptoms and how the injury occurred, and perform a physical exam. Tests may include: X-ray – to determine exactly where the bone broke and how far out of place the pieces have moved Bone Scan or MRI Scan – used if the fracture doesnt show up on x-rays

Treatment

The goal is to get you back on your feet again as quickly as possible while your broken bone heals.
Treatment includes:
Prompt emergency treatment
  • Taking all weight off the injured leg and immobilizing the fracture
  • Checking vital signs such as blood pressure
  • Treating problems such as blood loss
  • Pain control with pain killers and other drugs
Surgery
Surgery is performed to set the broken bone and hold it in the correct position. This may involve:
  • Installing a surgical plate and pins at the fracture site
  • Repairing the hip with a metal implant that replaces the head of the femur and fits into the hip socket.
Physical Assistance
  • Exercises or therapy to help you return to your normal level of activity
  • A cane or walker if advised by your doctor
  • Aid with activities of daily living until you can return to normal activity

Prevention

Early corrective action may help alleviate many of the factors that can lead to a Hip Fracture. Heres what you can do:
  • Eat a diet with nutrients for strong bones:
    • Calcium – about 1000 milligrams daily, but check with your doctor
    • Vitamin D – 400-800 units a day
  • Exercise:
    • Ask your doctor before starting.
    • Weight-bearing activities like walking
    • Strengthening exercises
  • Avoid excessive use of alcohol and don't smoke.
  • Obey speed limits and safety laws when driving motor vehicles.
  • See your doctor if you are at risk for osteoporosis. Preventive medication may include:
    • Hormone replacement therapy for women after menopause
    • Biphosphonates
    • Calcitonin
    • Ask your provider if any of your medications may contribute to:
    • Bone loss
    • Dizziness, drowsiness, or confusion
    • Get your eyes checked regularly.
    • Reduce falling hazards at work and home:
    • Clean spills and slippery areas immediately.
    • Remove tripping hazards such as loose cords, rugs and clutter.
    • Use non-slip mats in the bathtub and shower.
    • Install grab bars next to the toilet and in the shower or tub.
    • Put in handrails on both sides of stairways.
    • Walk only in well-lighted rooms, stairs, and halls.
    • Keep flashlights nearby in case of a power outage.