What is A Broken Hip?

A fractured hip refers to a broken upper section of the femur (thighbone), just above where the femur fits into the hip socket. The hip joint, which joins your leg to your pelvis, enables everyday movements like standing, bending, and balance. A hip can fracture in many locations and this can impact the appropriate treatment approach. Some break close to the “ball of” the joint, others below that point. In some cases the pieces may remain in relative place but in others they are displaced.


What Causes A Broken Hip?

A fall is the most common cause for most hip fractures, particularly in the elderly, where bone strength may have been compromised by age or other conditions. In younger adults, high-impact injuries such as from a sports or automobile accident or fall from a height are responsible.


You are at higher risk of breaking a hip if you:


  • Have lower bone density (osteoporosis)
  •  Are an older adult
  • Have impaired balance and coordination
  • Have weaker leg muscles
  • Lead an inactive lifestyle
  • Have poor nutrition
  • Smoke
  • Drink too much alcohol
  • Have certain underlying conditions or medical treatments

Taking measures to ensure that you maintain good balance, have strong leg muscles, and take care of bone health can prevent a hip fracture.


What Are The Common Symptoms of A Broken Hip?

Symptoms vary from sharp pain and immobility to a persistent ache that gets worse when putting weight on the injured leg.


  • Hip or groin pain
  • Thigh pain
  • Difficulty standing
  • Difficulty walking
  • Pain when weight-bearing on the affected leg
  • Hip swelling and bruising
  • Decreased hip motion
  • Inability to lift or turn the affected leg
  • The leg appears different from the uninjured one when the patient is lying down.

Seek prompt medical attention for any hip pain that occurs as the result of a fall, accident, or has the effect of hindering movement or ability to stand or walk.


How is A Broken Hip Diagnosed?

In order to diagnose a broken hip, the healthcare professional will examine the injured person and order imaging tests. They’ll ask you questions about the cause and symptoms, check the leg for swelling and bruising and assess your ability to move the leg or stand.


X-ray films usually confirm the fracture. If you have symptoms but the initial scan doesn’t reveal the break, additional imaging may be necessary. Prior to treatment, the person may also have a physical examination to ensure no other injuries were sustained and check overall health, particularly among older individuals or those with existing health problems.


Broken Hip Treatment Options

Treatment is tailored to the location and extent of the fracture, as well as the person's age, fitness level and the condition of their bones. For example, the treatment for an older, frail person who was inactive prior to the break would be very different from a young, active person. 


Surgery 

Surgery is the standard approach. Surgery seeks to help people recover movement and manage the pain by supporting the bone.


Internal Fixation

In some cases, doctors can stabilize a broken hip with pins, screws, or metal plates.


Partial Hip Replacement

When the ball of the hip is broken but the socket is sound, sometimes it's possible to replace only the ball.


Total Hip Replacement

In other situations, it may be best to replace both sides of the hip joint. The decision is made considering the location of the fracture, how much mobility the person had prior to the accident, and the person’s age and general health.


Non-Surgical treatment

Occasionally, it is not possible to perform surgery to fix a broken hip. In such instances, managing pain and keeping the person immobile so that they can heal on their own may be options.


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Recovery Time after a Broken Hip

Every individual recovers from a broken hip at their own rate. Some individuals may recover more fully in a matter of weeks, but for some individuals, rehabilitation and recovery can last many months.


The following can impact recovery:

  • Age
  • Fracture characteristics
  • Treatment option
  • Overall health
  • Pre-injury muscle strength
  • Pre-fracture mobility
  • Rehabilitation commitment
  • Home support

Recovery should progress naturally so that damage is not done by rushing recovery and going back to normal activities.


Rehabilitation after a Broken Hip

Injury rehabilitation is a key component of fractured hip recovery. After injury, rehabilitation will be controlled by trained professionals to slowly progress the patient to regain strength, balance, and mobility.


Some exercises may be:


  • Strengthening legs
  • Improving hip mobility
  • Balance
  • Endurance
  • Safe walking
  • Confidence with daily activities

It is common for some patients to be prescribed assistive walking devices, such as a frame or stick, to be used during the recovery. Progress can be made by following prescribed rehabilitation programs.


Physical Activity during Recovery

It is common practice to introduce physical activity in small measures after a hip fracture. Bending and gentle movement may be early rehabilitation, but as recovery continues, the emphasis may be on standing, balance, walking, and strengthening. Movement should be monitored to ensure safety and recovery is on the right track. Movement can be of a controlled nature to strengthen the muscles which reduces the effects of immobility.


Recovering Challenges

People can experience a variety of different physical challenges after suffering a broken hip that can hinder functional daily living. These symptoms can include:


  • Muscle weakness
  • Joint stiffness
  • Reduced confidence when walking
  • Balance problems
  • Reduced endurance
  • Difficulty with stairs
  • Reduced daily activity independence

The above challenges can be improved with physical therapy and other support. Challenges progressively get better with more challenging activity. Regular reassessments and new activity goals may be integrated to adjust the recovery plan with appropriate support people and medical staff.


When Do You Need to Visit a Doctor?

You need to get a medical assessment if you are experiencing hip pain after falling, if there was an impact, or if there was an accident. You should go to the doctor if you have the following:


  • Persistent hip or groin pain
  • Difficulty standing
  • Difficulty walking
  • Pain in the leg that is swollen
  • Significant swelling
  • Decreased movement in the leg

See the doctor early to figure out the injury type and the best way to help it.


Conclusion

A broken hip does affect a person’s day to day life, but with treatment, the person can return to almost normal life after rehabilitation. The essential components of the rehabilitation process are knowing the symptoms of a broken hip, getting the necessary medical attention, following the treatment plan, and performing rehabilitation exercises.

Strong, healthy bones and well-developed muscles can help improve balance and lower the risk of hip fractures. Recovery can be a long process, but with the right help, the person will be able to return to normal activities.


Please book an appointment with the best Orthopedic Surgeon in Lahore, Karachi, Islamabad, and all major cities of Pakistan through InstaCare, or call our helpline at 03171777509 to find a verified doctor for your disease.