A fractured hip is a serious condition and a common injury in the elderly. Hip fractures typically occur in the upper thighbone (femur) close to where the thighbone meets the hip joint.
Whilst the elderly and those with osteoporosis are at higher risk due to weaker bones, those with long-term medication reliance and/or poor vision are also more likely to suffer from a fracture of the hip due to an incidental accident and falling over. Any trauma to the hip area, as well as the presence of obesity which can cause unnecessary pressure on the hipbones, can also increase the risk of a fracture.
The most obvious symptoms associated with a fracture of the hip include the inability to move almost immediately after a fall. Those who experience bruising or swelling in and around the hip area, in addition to severe pain, as well as noticeable deformity near the groin, should seek medical assistance immediately.
Hip fracture treatments
Due to the severity of the condition, a hip fracture, in almost all circumstances, will require immediate treatment. This usually involves surgery and then follow up physiotherapy.
Hip replacement surgery designed to connect broken bones and hip arthroplasty are the most common treatments. Without surgery the likelihood of limited future independence and ongoing complications are very real.
In rare cases, a medical professional may determine that a patient’s health may be compromised with surgery therefore a clinical diagnosis is most definitely required.
Where surgery is performed, post-surgery rehabilitation is necessary to ensure that a patient is able to regain strength in the hip area and return to regular, albeit somewhat modified, activities as soon as possible.
Depending on the type and severity of the hip fracture a patient presents with and where a non-surgical option is required, bed rest may be a necessity. Close monitoring will be needed because further complications can arise when a patient is immobilised for a long period of time and confined to a bed.
HOW CAN I FIND OUT MORE?
Don’t put off a visit to the Adelaide Hip Centre.
Arrange a consultation if you are living with regular hip pain and common symptoms associated with osteoarthritis.
After a fall or a knock to the hip area, it is essential that you seek immediate medical attention if any of the above common symptoms are present. Despite obvious signs of a major injury or swelling to the hip area, an x-ray or MRI might be ordered to confirm the presence of a fracture even if it is a hairline fracture.
Contact us for any enquiries relating to hip fractures and trauma.