Hip Fractures : A Few Facts

Most people who fracture their hips require surgical treatment. The type of surgery depends on the site of the fracture. Approximately 90 percent of hip fractures occur in people over the age of 60 years as a result of Osteoprosis plus the fact that we are more likely to fall as we get older. So what is Osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis is a disease in which bones become brittle, fragile and are more easily broken. Any bones can be effected however particular areas that are most vunerable are the hip and the spine. If not treated, Osteoprosis can progress along painlessly until a bone breaks or fractures which are most likely to occur in the wrist, hip or spine. Women are four times more likely to develop the disease however men can also suffer from Osteoporosis.

Intertrochanteric Hip Fracture:

The upper end of the femur (thigh bone) has large bony projections called trochanters where the powerful muscles of the buttocks and leg attach. Above these is a narrow neck and finally the spherical head that forms part of the hip joint along with the pelvis. Most hip fractures occur just below the spherical head or through the trochanters known as the intertrochanteric hip fracture. Intertrochanteric hip fractures are usually treated with a sliding compression screw and side plate. This device works by holding the bone fragments in their correct position while the fracture heals.

In other types of fractures, such as an incomplete fracture of the neck of the femur, metal pins are used to secure the femoral head in place. If the fracture is more severe, a partial or total hip replacement may be required. The fixtures used to repair a hip fracture and usually robust enough to allow weight bearing on the joint soon after surgery, the bone fragments generally need a couple of months to knit. Most people are able to get up out of bed and start walking with a walker or crutches within one to two days after surgery. Early mobilization is important to promote muscle strenght and guards against the risk of blod clots, pressure sores or pneumonia. Six months after surgery you should see a vast improvement in the joint and be back walking normally.