What Is Hip Fracture?

The hip joint is a crucial “ball and socket” joint in the body, composed of the head of the femur or thighbone (the “ball”) and the cup-shaped acetabulum (the “socket”). The joint’s surface is coated with a smooth articular surface that facilitates frictionless movement in the joint, allowing for comfortable and pain-free movement.

Hip fractures, on the other hand, are breaks that occur near the hip in the upper part of the femur or thighbone. The thighbone has two bony processes on the upper portion: the greater and lesser trochanters. The lesser trochanter protrudes from the base of the femoral neck on the thighbone’s back. Hip fractures can occur in three areas: the femoral neck, the area between the greater and lesser trochanters, or below the lesser trochanter.

Causes

Hip fractures commonly occur as a result of minor trauma in older individuals who have weakened bones, as well as in younger individuals who experience high-energy trauma or serious injuries. Certain medications that are used over the long term can also increase the risk of hip fractures.

Symptoms

  • Severe pain in the hip or groin area that makes it difficult to bear weight on the affected leg
  • Swelling or bruising around the hip
  • Stiffness and limited range of motion in the hip joint
  • Difficulty walking or standing up
  • The affected leg may appear shorter than the other leg
  • Inability to move the hip or leg
  • Sometimes a cracking or popping sound can be heard during the injury

If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to seek medical attention immediately, as hip fractures can cause serious complications and require prompt treatment.

Treatments

Hip fractures can be treated using non-operative or operative methods, depending on the severity and the individual’s overall health condition.

For patients who are not fit for surgery, traction may be used as a treatment option. This involves inserting screws, pins, and wires into the femur under local anesthesia, followed by the use of a pulley system at the end of the bed to bear heavy weights. These weights help in realigning the misaligned bones and holding them in place until the injury heals.

Surgical intervention is often required for hip fractures and can be carried out using external fixation, intramedullary fixation, or plates and screws. The choice of procedure depends on the patient’s age, general health status, the type and location of the fracture, and other factors that the surgeon considers.