Hip fractures are serious injuries that can even produce life-threatening complications. However, treatment with surgery is usually highly effective. The healing process consists of rehabilitation and medication, which helps regain strength and mobility in the leg and prevent a second fracture.
Definition
A hip fracture is a breakage to your hipbone. It can occur at any age but is most common in adults over the age of 65 when bones are less dense and weaker. Hip fractures can be serious injuries that can cause immobility, severe pain, stiffness and the inability to properly use your leg. Fortunately, there are treatment options that are generally highly effective in healing the fracture.
Anatomy
Your hip is the joint that connects your leg with your upper body. It consists of the socket of the pelvic bone and the head and neck of your femur, the thigh bone. Hip fractures can include a break to either bone.
Treatment
Most often, hip fractures are fixed through a surgical operation. Nonsurgical options are usually only chosen if illness makes surgery too risky. The type of surgery performed depends on where the break took place. Options include using metal screws to hold the bone together as it heals, replacing part of the thigh bone if it is damaged or misaligned or replacing the hip if the socket and thigh bone if the joint is damaged.
Rehabilitation
Following surgery, you will have to undergo rehabilitation. Rehabilitation is an important step in regaining proper strength and mobility in the hip. Under a normal schedule, you will begin walking with the help of a walker about a day after the surgery. You will also begin physical therapy to work on the range of motion of the joint. Rehabilitation will last for at least a few weeks.
Medication
Medication can be very useful in preventing a second hip fracture. Drugs known as bisphosphonates help promote bone density. Increasing bone density results in stronger bones that are less likely to break easily. These medications, however, do have some side effects, such as nausea and abdominal pain.
Prognosis
Most patients are able to leave the hospital after a few days when you are able to move are safely and perform exercises properly. You will most likely need to use crutches or a walker for several weeks. You will also need to participate in ongoing physical therapy. Generally, the stronger and more mobile your hip was before the fracture, the better condition it will be in afterward. However, hip fracture surgery is a highly effective treatment option for most people.
