Hip Fracture
A hip fracture is a serious injury that becomes more common with advancing age and can lead to life-threatening complications. As age increases, the bone structure weakens; in other words, as osteoporosis develops, the risk of hip fracture begins to rise. Medications in use, poor vision, and balance problems increase the likelihood that older people will fall. A fall, and the hip fracture problem that may follow it, is both a common occurrence and a risky situation for older individuals. A hip fracture is generally a type of fracture that requires surgical repair and physical therapy. Hip fractures can be guarded against by taking measures to preserve bone density and prevent falls.
What Is a Hip Fracture?
A fracture of any part of the hip bone is called a hip fracture. A hip fracture usually occurs when the upper part of the thigh bone (femur) breaks. Hip fractures, which are more common in older adults, produce serious symptoms, chiefly severe pain. When the patient's age and condition allow, a hip fracture is a fracture that requires immediate surgery. The methods used during surgical intervention may vary depending on the location of the break.
Hip fractures come in different types and can occur in different areas. Fractures can occur in various parts of the upper femur, also known as the thigh bone. Among the most common types of hip fracture are femoral neck fracture and intertrochanteric fracture. In a femoral neck fracture, the bone region just below the femoral head breaks. If the break occurs in the intertrochanteric area, the fracture occurs between the femoral neck and the long straight part of the femur.
If a hip fracture occurs, a healthcare facility should be consulted immediately without delay. To keep the current condition from worsening during transport to the hospital, it is recommended that individuals be taken to the hospital by ambulance with a professional team. Hisar Hospital Intercontinental works with a large number of physicians specialized in hip fractures. In this situation, which requires emergency intervention, patients can receive professional support at Hisar hospitals.
What Are the Causes and Risk Factors of Hip Fracture?
Hip fracture is one of the problems that can be encountered at any stage of life. However, the risk factors that can lead to a hip fracture may vary by age group. A hip fracture can occur in individuals of any age after a severe blow, such as a car accident. In older people, a hip fracture can also develop as a result of falling from standing height. In individuals with significant bone loss, a hip fracture can occur from a slight twist while standing on a leg.
The medical conditions that may cause a hip fracture can be listed as follows.
Osteoporosis: Also known colloquially as bone thinning, this disease causes bones to weaken and increases the likelihood of fracture.
Thyroid problems: The condition of hyperthyroidism, which in medicine describes the thyroid glands working more intensely than normal, can lead to brittle bones.
Intestinal disorders: Bones may weaken due to intestinal disorders that reduce the absorption of vitamin D and calcium, and this condition may bring a hip fracture with it.
Balance-related problems: Diseases such as Parkinson's disease, stroke, and peripheral neuropathy can increase the risk of falling.
Other factors that may cause a hip fracture include long-term use of cortisone medications, medications that may cause dizziness, sleeping pills, and sedatives. Not getting sufficient calcium and vitamin D from childhood and adolescence onward, and constant deficiency of such vitamins and minerals, can reduce bone mass. Dietary mistakes made during youth can lead to bone loss in later years and increase the risk of developing a hip fracture. Similar to nutritional problems, a sedentary lifestyle can cause the bones and muscles to weaken, increasing the likelihood of falls and fractures.
Individuals with risk factors for hip fracture should be aware of this and make lifestyle changes aimed at prevention. Interested individuals can apply to Hisar Hospital Intercontinental to obtain information on what kinds of measures they should take to prevent hip fracture.
What Are the Symptoms and Diagnostic Methods of Hip Fracture?
The symptoms that appear when a hip fracture develops are severe enough to be noticed. These symptoms are as follows.
Inability to get up from the place where the fall occurred, or inability to walk
Development of severe pain in the hip and groin
Inability to bear weight on the leg on the injured hip side
Development of bruising and swelling in and around the hip area
The leg on the injured hip side appearing shorter
Outward rotation of the leg on the injured hip side
If you have at least one of the symptoms of a hip fracture, you should go to the nearest healthcare facility. Necessary examinations should be carried out to determine whether there is a hip fracture, and any required interventions should be performed. If a hip fracture is suspected, a physical examination is first carried out by a physician. The physician checks for restricted movement, swelling in the area, or differences in the position of the leg. Following the necessary examinations, X-ray and computed tomography (CT) scanning are performed so that the hip fracture can be clearly identified. A diagnosis of hip fracture can be made with the images obtained.
What Are the Treatment Options for Hip Fracture?
Treatment for a hip fracture varies depending on the patient's age, general health, and the type of injury. Most hip fractures are fractures that require surgery within one or two days of occurring. However, in some individuals, surgery may not be possible because of their age and other health problems. After the examinations for the hip fracture, the physician decides on the treatment method that is ideal for the patient. At this point, treatments vary as follows.
Surgical interventions: Most hip fractures require surgical intervention. There are different hip fracture surgery techniques, and metal screws, nails, or plates may be used during surgery to fix the bones in place and hold them. In this way, conservative treatment is carried out by providing immobilization with splints.
Hip prosthesis: Depending on the type of injury, a partial or total hip prosthesis may be required. After hip prosthesis surgery, physical therapy at a rehabilitation center is essential.
Physical therapy: During physical therapy, the physiotherapist carries out physiotherapy sessions aimed at helping the patient regain mobility, flexibility, and strength. Especially after hip prosthesis surgery, special exercises should be performed under the guidance of a physiotherapist.
Medications: Both over-the-counter and prescription medications may be needed in the treatment of hip fracture. First, painkillers are used to reduce the symptom of pain. Thanks to medications that are effective both in pain management and in reducing inflammation in the area, the post-surgical process can also be supported.
Recovery and Rehabilitation After Hip Fracture Surgery
After hip fracture surgery, patients usually stay in hospital for 4 to 7 days. During this period, the physician prescribes various painkillers to ensure pain control. From the time of hospital stay onward, a physical therapy process is started to support bone and muscle strength. An intensive physical therapy program is followed during the first 6 weeks, and patients need support as they carry out their daily activities. During this process, recovery should be carried out with slow and controlled movements. Disregarding doctors' instructions or starting heavy exercise may adversely affect current hip health. As walking ability develops after surgery, updates may be made to the physical therapy process. However, physical therapy is generally applied regularly during the first 3 months after surgery.
Long-Term Outcomes and Lifestyle Effects of Hip Fracture
A person with a history of hip fracture needs to be more careful for the rest of their life. Hip fractures have the potential to recur. If a professional surgery is performed, this risk can be minimized. If a prosthesis is used in the surgery, the durability of the prosthesis varies between 10 and 20 years. In fact, depending on lifestyle, this period may be extended. In order for patients to regain the capacity to carry out their daily activities as they were before the fracture, they need physical rehabilitation. Physical therapy for the first 3 months after surgery is generally recommended. In this way, the patient's quality of life can be improved. The return to normal activities after surgery takes approximately a 6-week period. During this period, patients may need outside help with their daily activities. At the end of the sixth week, however, they begin to gain independence and can meet their daily needs on their own.
Hip fracture is a serious health problem. If surgery is performed, it should be carried out by an orthopedic surgeon who is an expert in the field of surgery. Orthopedic surgeons serving within Hisar Hospital Intercontinental take a professional approach so that patients can return to their former lives.
Frequently Asked Questions
Hip fracture surgery is performed under general anesthesia. In this way, the patient does not experience any pain or discomfort during the operation. During surgery, an incision is made in the hip area. The size of the incision may vary depending on the size of the fracture. Depending on the nature of the fracture, the bone is aligned where necessary using screws, plates, prostheses, or nails. After the procedures on the bone are completed, the incision is closed and the surgery is finished. The length of hospital stay after hip fracture surgery varies depending on the patient's health condition. Patients usually stay in hospital for 4 to 7 days after surgery. After hip fracture surgery, the physician prescribes various painkillers to keep pain under control. Drug treatment usually involves the combined use of medications that reduce swelling and local anesthetics that numb the surgical area. In some patients, medication may also be given to prevent blood clotting. After hip fracture surgery, patients enter a rehabilitation process for a period of time. Within this process, physiotherapy programs aim to strengthen the muscles, increase range of motion, and regain walking skills. The progress of the rehabilitation process is determined in direct proportion to the patient's recovery and the increase in their mobility. However, patients are generally subjected to an intensive rehabilitation process during the first month after hip fracture surgery. After hip fracture surgery, patients initially have quite limited mobility. Physiotherapy sessions are aimed at strengthening the muscles and bones and restoring their mobility. Patients can generally begin light daily activities within 6 weeks after surgery. Care should be taken in increasing the intensity of activities, and physician recommendations should be followed. Depending on the age at which the hip fracture occurred and the patient's health condition, the way quality of life is affected also varies. However, especially during the first 6 weeks, patients need support for their own care and daily activities. Restrictions and limitations may be imposed on patients' daily activities and mobility. After hip fracture surgery, patients are observed to show a decline compared with their pre-operative standards, both in driving and in physical activities. Various measures can be taken to reduce the risk of hip fracture. First, by leading an active life, individuals can increase muscle strength through exercises they do and prevent bone loss. By getting adequate vitamin D and calcium through a healthy diet, they can strengthen their bones. Through regular doctor check-ups, bone density can be closely monitored; if a diagnosis such as the onset of osteoporosis is made, various medications that slow bone loss and strengthen bones may be used. It is recommended that patients maintain a healthy weight and avoid smoking and alcohol consumption. Individuals with a hip fracture should not ignore these problems and should promptly consult a healthcare facility. If surgery is performed, the guidelines for after surgery must be followed meticulously. During the recovery process, the physiotherapy support needed should be obtained and drug treatment should not be interrupted. In line with the physician's recommendations, exercises should be added and work should be carried out to restore the strength of the muscles and bones in the area.
