A hip fracture is a break in the thigh bone just below the hip joint. The hip joint consists of a ball at the top of the thigh bone (femur) and a rounded socket (acetabulum) in the pelvis. Most hip fractures occur in the neck of the femur 1-2 inches below the ball portion of the hip.
Factors that may contribute to a hip fracture include:
A risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting a disease or condition.
Symptoms may include:
The doctor will ask about your symptoms, how the injury occurred, and will then perform a physical exam.
Tests may include:
X-ray—to determine exactly where the bone is broken and how far out of place the pieces have moved
Bone scan or MRI scan—used if the fracture doesn't show up on x-rays but symptoms indicate a fracture has occurred
The 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:
Surgery is performed to set the broken bone and hold it in the correct position. This may involve:
If you are diagnosed with a hip fracture, follow your doctor's instructions .
Early corrective action may help alleviate many of the factors that can lead to a hip fracture. Here's what you can do:
RESOURCES:
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
http://www.aaos.org
Mayo Clinic
http://www.mayoclinic.com
CANADIAN RESOURCES
Canadian Orthopaedic Association
http://www.coa-aco.org
Canadian Orthopaedic Foundation
http://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 November 2008 by John C. Keel, MD
Please 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.
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