Hip Fracture

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:

• Bone conditions such as osteomalacia (rare)
• Bone tumors (rare)
• Falls (the most frequent cause of hip fractures)
• Motor vehicle accidents and other types of major trauma
• Osteoporosis —a bone-thinning condition that weakens all bones including the hip
• Stress fractures in athletes (rare)

A risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting a disease or condition.

• Heredity
  • Caucasian or Asian race
  • Family history of fractures later in life
  • Small-boned, slender body (low body weight)
• Others:
  • Excessive alcohol use
  • History of stroke
  • Mental impairments including Alzheimer’s disease
  • Arthritis
  • Certain medications which cause dizziness, drowsiness, or weakness
  • Chronic disease or fragile health
  • Deficient intake or absorption of calcium and vitamin D
  • Heart failure
  • Irregular heart beat or low blood pressure
  • Low body weight
  • Parkinson's disease
  • Physical inactivity
  • Poor balance and coordination
  • Poor nutrition
  • Problems with vision
  • Smoking
  • Systemic cortisone or other steroids
  • Thyroid disorder
  • Weakness
• Age: 65 years or older
• Previous hip fracture or history of falling
• Sex: female (especially after menopause)

Symptoms may include:

• Abnormal appearance of the broken leg:
  • Looks shorter
  • Turns outward
• Difficulty or inability to stand, walk, or move the hip
• Pain in the hip

The doctor will ask about your symptoms and how the injury occurred. A physical exam will then be performed.

Tests may include:

• Bone scan or MRI scan—used if the fracture doesn't show up on x-rays but symptoms indicate a fracture has occurred
• X-ray —to determine exactly where the bone is broken and how far out of place the pieces have moved

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:

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:

• Ask your doctor if any of your medications may contribute to:
  • Bone loss
  • Dizziness, drowsiness, or confusion
• Eat a diet with nutrients for strong bones:
  • Adequate protein intake
  • Calcium —about 1000 milligrams daily but check with your doctor
  • Vitamin D —400-800 units a day
• Exercise (Ask your doctor before starting):
  • Strengthening exercises for both upper and lower extremities
  • Weight-bearing activities such as walking
• Reduce falling hazards at work and home:
  • Clean spills and slippery areas immediately.
  • Install grab bars next to the toilet and in the shower or tub.
  • Keep flashlights on hand in case of a power outage.
  • Put in handrails on both sides of stairways.
  • Remove tripping hazards such as loose cords, rugs, and clutter.
  • Use non-slip mats in the bathtub and shower.
  • Walk only in well-lit rooms, stairs, and halls.
• See your doctor if you are at risk for osteoporosis. Preventive medication may include:
  • Biphosphonates
  • Calcitonin
  • Hormone replacement therapy for women after menopause
• Get your eyes checked regularly.