Hip fractures can be debilitating—especially in older patients. They can drastically limit mobility and tend to require surgical intervention to repair the fracture and restore stability to the patient, that will help improve their quality of life.
What Causes a Hip Fracture?
A hip fracture—the common name for a proximal femoral fracture (PFF)—is a crack in the top of the femur, closest to the hip joint. Most often occurring in older patients with osteoporosis, a hip fracture can be caused by something as simple as a fall or from trauma caused by a substantial impact.
When a proximal femoral fracture occurs, the patient can experience pain, swelling, and a loss of mobility in the affected leg. The hip joint can also become inflamed, creating conditions similar to arthritis.
A fracture of this kind can be especially dangerous for elderly patients who live on their own.
How Are They Treated?
Hip fractures almost always require a combination of surgery to set the bone and repair the damage, as well as physical therapy to strengthen the leg and hip joint. Pins, screws, and rods may be used internally to hold the bone in place while it heals.
In patients who already have difficulty walking, the femoral head (the part of the femur that connects to the hip joint) is replaced with a prosthetic. Sometimes a complete hip replacement is also called for, where the joint is replaced with a prosthetic as well.
How Can They be Avoided?
Hip fractures mostly occur in patients who have weakened bones. Strengthening the femur through light exercise such as walking can help prevent a fracture. Monitoring weight also reduces the amount of strain put on the bones, so a healthy diet should be maintained, including plenty of calcium. Additionally, older patients should get routine bone density screenings to monitor bone loss due to osteoporosis.
If you’re worried about bone deterioration, speak to your doctor to discuss preventative measures that can greatly reduce the risk of a hip fracture in the future. When it comes to treatment, our doctors are highly skilled and experienced, so schedule an appointment with us today!
