The hips are the area where the largest bone in the body, called the "femur," comes into the pelvis in a socket joint. This allows range of motion in various directions and angles. Although hip fractures can occur at any age, older adults are more susceptible and surgery is one of the main ways they are treated.
Significance
Sustaining a hip fracture is a very serious injury with life-threatening complications. People who are 65 years old or higher are especially at risk because they naturally lose bone mineral density. Women are more prone than men to suffer a fracture because they lose bone density at a faster pace.
Fixation
When the top of the femur gets fractured at the hip and it stays in proper alignment, a procedure called internal fixation is often done. In this treatment, metal screws are inserted into the bone to keep it together during the healing process.
Prosthesis
When the ends of the broken bone are damaged or do not line up properly, a procedure called hemiarthroplasty can be done. This is where a metal prosthesis is put in place of the head and neck of the femur. If the joint was damaged from a prior injury or arthritis, the upper femur and pelvic bone socket can be completely replaced with a prosthesis. This is called a total hip replacement.
Intravenous
After surgery has taken place for a hip fracture, it is often coupled up with an intravenous medication called zoledronic acid. This is given once a year to help prevent another fracture from taking place.
Considerations
Prostheses are most often used with older hip fracture patients. This is because they are less likely to wear them out and require another operation. To prevent further complications, older adults should become active soon after surgery. When hip surgery is performed, you are generally released in less than a week unless you can't place weight on your hip or you do not have adequate home care. Physical therapist visits are also done to help get back your range of motion and strength.
Rehabilitation
When you are recovering from a hip fracture, you have to use the aid of walkers, crutches or canes to get around. You have to learn how to slowly keep placing weight down on your hip until you have full mobility again. Assistance is often needed to do daily tasks that were once routine, such as bathing, cooking, cleaning and dressing.
Identification
During the rehabilitation process, patients are often given blood thinners to prevent blood clots. Elastic compression boots or stockings are also worn to add more protection.
