Causes of Hip Fracture:
Hip fractures are particularly common in older adults. The main reason is weakened bone structure and osteoporosis. Even a simple fall in an elderly person can lead to a hip fracture. The risk is higher in postmenopausal women due to the increased prevalence of osteoporosis. In individuals with weak bone structure, fractures may sometimes occur even without trauma.
In elderly individuals, irregular blood pressure, vision problems, decreased reflexes, and reduced muscle strength also make falls more likely. In younger people, hip fractures usually occur as a result of severe trauma, such as traffic accidents or falls from height.
Hip Fracture Symptoms
-
Severe pain in the groin or thigh
-
Swelling, bruising, and tenderness in the hip
-
Significant difficulty while lying down, sitting, or walking
-
Discomfort when rotating the hip
-
The affected leg appearing shortened and turned outward
Hip Fracture Diagnosis
The diagnosis of a hip fracture is evaluated through the patient’s complaints and physical examination. Imaging methods are used for confirmation:
-
X-ray: The first and primary imaging method.
-
MRI or bone scintigraphy: Used for fractures that cannot be detected by X-ray.
Types of Hip Fractures
Hip fractures can occur in different parts of the femur:
-
Femoral neck fracture: Occurs in the neck region between the thigh bone and the hip.
-
Trochanteric fracture: Seen between the two trochanteric regions of the femur, commonly in elderly patients.
-
Subtrochanteric fracture: Occurs in the upper part of the femur, just below the trochanter. Usually results from high-energy trauma.
Hip Fracture Treatment
The treatment method depends on the type of fracture, the patient’s age, and overall health condition.
Non-Surgical Treatment
-
Preferred only in very rare and stable fractures.
-
The patient is placed under strict bed rest and requires close monitoring.
Surgical Treatment
-
In younger patients, screws, nails, or plates are used to repair the fracture.
-
In elderly patients, since bone healing potential is low, partial or total hip replacement (prosthesis) is preferred.
-
In trochanteric and subtrochanteric fractures, compression nailing surgery may be performed.
Postoperative Process:
-
After discharge, physical therapy should be initiated.
-
Early mobilization and walking should be performed under the supervision of a physiotherapist.
-
Specific exercises should be practiced before full weight-bearing, progressing according to the doctor’s instructions.
-
Postoperative care is crucial for ensuring a healthy recovery process.
Who Is More Likely to Experience Hip Fractures?
Individuals over 65 years of age: Bone density and balance decrease with age.
Women: Especially after menopause, the risk of osteoporosis increases.
Patients with osteoporosis: Weak bones fracture more easily.
Those with neurological disorders: Conditions such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s increase the risk of falls.
People with a history of falls: The likelihood of repeated falls is higher.
Individuals with poor nutrition: Calcium and vitamin D deficiency weakens the bones.
People with a sedentary lifestyle: Lack of physical activity leads to muscle and bone weakness, increasing fall risk.
Those with visual impairments: Difficulty in perceiving environmental hazards.
Individuals with chronic diseases: Ongoing medical conditions may weaken overall health and bone strength.
Frequently Asked Questions
After hip fracture surgery, bone healing usually takes around 6 to 8 weeks.
- Between 15% and 30% of patients with a hip fracture pass away within one year. This rate is higher in very elderly patients, those with uncontrolled comorbidities, and individuals who already required assistance with daily activities before the fracture.
- The complication rate after total hip replacement is low. Serious complications such as hip infection occur in approximately 1% of patients. Medical complications such as heart attack or stroke are even less common.
- It is usually quite possible to recognize a hip fracture immediately. The fracture can often be identified at the moment of injury by a cracking sound from the bone. In addition, significant swelling in the fractured area makes it apparent right away.
Fractures occur as a result of external impacts and trauma, such as falls or injuries. A hip fracture is a very serious condition; therefore, individuals showing symptoms of a fracture should seek medical attention without delay.
Contact US
Fill out the form on the side to receive free information about your orthopedic condition, and we’ll get back to you quickly.
