Hip Fracture

Pain in the hipDifficulty or inability to stand, walk, or move the hip Abnormal appearance of the broken leg: Looks shorterTurns outward DiagnosisThe doctor will ask about your symptoms, how the injury occurred, and will then perform a physical exam.Tests may include:X-rayto determine exactly where the bone is broken and how far out of place the pieces have movedBone scan or MRI scanused if the fracture doesn't show up on x-rays but symptoms indicate a fracture has occurred TreatmentThe goal is to get you back on your feet again as quickly as possible while your broken bone heals. For older patients, staying in bed for even several days may lead to serious complications.Treatment includes: Prompt Emergency TreatmentTaking all weight off the injured leg and immobilizing the fractureChecking vital signs such as blood pressureTreating problems such as internal blood lossPain 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: Inserting a surgical plate and screws at the fracture siteReplacing the hip with a metal implant (prosthesis), which has a ball that fits into the hip socket and an attached stem which goes into the thigh bone to hold the implant in place Physical AssistanceExercises or therapy to help you return to your normal level of activityA cane or walker as advised by your doctorAid 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. Here's 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 Adequate protein intake Exercise (Ask your doctor before starting): Weight-bearing activities such as walkingStrengthening exercises for both upper and lower extremities See your doctor if you are at risk for osteoporosis. Preventive medication may include: Hormone replacement therapy for women after menopauseBiphosphonatesCalcitonin Ask your doctor if any of your medications may contribute to: Bone lossDizziness, drowsiness, or confusion 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-lit rooms, stairs, and halls.Keep flashlights on hand in case of a power outage.Get your eyes checked regularly. RESOURCES: American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeonshttp://www.aaos.org Mayo Clinic

http://www.mayoclinic.com CANADIAN RESOURCES Canadian Orthopaedic Associationhttp://www.coa-aco.org Canadian Orthopaedic Foundationhttp://www.canorth.org/default.asp References: American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons website. Available at: http://www.aaos.org . Accessed October 12, 2005. Feskanich D, Willett W, Colditz G.Walking and leisure-time activity and risk of hip fracture in postmenopausal women. JAMA . 2002 Nov 13;288(18):2300-2306. Hip fracture. DynaMed website. Available at: http://www.dynamicmedical.com/ . Accessed October 12, 2005. Hip fractures. E-medicine website. Available at: http://www.emedicine.com/ . Accessed February 2001. National Center for Injury Prevention and Control website. Available at: http://www.cdc.gov/ncipc/default.htm . Accessed October 12, 2005. Last reviewed October 2007 by Robert E. Leach, MDPlease be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.