Hip fracture: symptoms, causes, how to treat it

$Hip fracture: symptoms, causes, how to treat it$

SUMMARY :

What is a hip fracture?
What are the symptoms of a hip fracture?
What are the causes and risk factors?
Treatments: how to treat a hip fracture?
How to relieve a broken collarbone?
When is hip fracture surgery needed?
How is hip fracture rehabilitation going?
Convalescence: what is the healing time of a hip fracture?
Can you walk with a hip fracture?
How do I get hospital care?
What are the risks and complications?

What is a hip fracture?

Hip fracture is a break at the upper level of the femur bone. It can occur at the level of the cervix or at the level of the trochanter. This type of fracture is common in the elderly, it usually appears after a fall. Hip fracture without a fall is also possible in people who are weakened, in particular by osteoporosis.

What are the symptoms of a hip fracture?

Hip fracture most often results in very intense pain, the affected person usually cannot stand up. Swelling and bruising may also appear. After a hip fracture, the resting position of the leg may be abnormal, it often presents in external rotation with a shortening of the fractured limb.

What are the causes and risk factors?

Hip fracture usually occurs in people over 65. It is often due to a banal fall in everyday life and mainly affects women. This type of fracture can be favored by osteoporosis or by repeated falls that damage the bone structure. In people under the age of 55, hip fracture usually occurs as a result of a violent shock like a road accident.

Treatments: how to treat a hip fracture?

Hip fracture usually requires a surgical intervention. It can take the form of osteosynthesis, which consists of placing plates or screws to secure bone fragments. The intervention can also consist of placing a hip prosthesis in order to replace the bone elements that are too damaged in the joint.

When is hip fracture surgery needed?

In the event of a fracture, if the bone is not moved, it is possible to avoid the surgical operation by observing a very strict bed rest. However, surgery is often unavoidable and must be performed within 24 hours of the fracture to avoid complications.

How is hip fracture rehabilitation going?

Rehabilitation begins the day after the operation. The patient is encouraged to stand up and take a few steps using crutches. It is also advisable to sit on a chair to avoid the risks associated with bed rest. Rehabilitation sessions with a physiotherapist are then set up and can last several weeks.

Convalescence: what is the healing time of a hip fracture?

After a hip fracture, you have to count at least 3 months to regain a good level of autonomy. The bone consolidates after about 6 weeks if all goes well. The older the patient, the longer the recovery is likely to be.

Can you walk with a hip fracture?

In the case of an unoperated fracture, if the bone is not displaced, it is possible to walk with a hip fracture. However, the standing position and the support on the leg remain impossible in most cases. After the operation, the patient can take a few steps using crutches the day after the operation. He will then have to make rehabilitation for at least 3 weeks.

How do I get hospital care?

After a hip operation, he is possible to stay hospitalized for 5 to 10 days or more depending on the patient’s profile. Nursing care is then provided at the hospital and paid for by health insurance. Once out of the hospital, it is possible to go to a rehabilitation center or return home to undergo rehabilitation with a physiotherapist. If necessary, nursing care can be continued and covered by health insurance.

What are the risks and complications?

Complications occur mainly in the elderly with a real risk of mortality. Hospitalization and prolonged bed rest can indeed promote the occurrence of pressure sores, but also of phlebitis, pulmonary embolisms or even pulmonary infections. A Autonomy loss after the operation can also be a risk factor for the elderly.

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