Hip Fractures – Know All About It!

By Dr. Ravi C V , Orthopaedics

A fracture in the hip is caused by the breaking off the upper part of the thigh bone. The degree of the fracture varies on the forces that are involved. The surgery used to treat a hip fracture is fundamentally based on the level of your fracture or the soft tissues and bones affected in this case.

Signs and Symptoms of Hip Fracture-

1. Acute pain in your hip or groin region.
2. Inability to walk or to place any weight on the leg.
3. Inflammation, bruising and stiffness near your hip portion.

What are the factors that lead to increasing the rate of hip fractures?

1. Your bones weaken with age and your poor vision and balance make you trip.
2. Majority of hip fractures happens with women because the fall in estrogen level during menopause tends to speed up bone loss.
3. Disorders in our endocrine system (An endocrine system is made up of glands regulating the metabolism, tissue function, growth and development, reproduction and sexual function, moods and sleep) give way to fragility of bones.
4. Lack of Vitamin D and calcium in your diet tends to lower your muscle mass.
5. Absence of physical activity.
6. Excessive use of alcohol and tobacco interferes with bone formation and maintenance.

What are the precautions you can take to avoid hip fracture?

1. Consume an adequate intake of Vitamin D and calcium.
2. Exercise regularly for the strengthening of bones.
3. Refrain from too much of smoking or drinking.
4. Be extra-cautious on your part while you are moving lest you may stumble.
5. If required, get your eyes tested so that you do not trip off easily.
6. Be careful on any kind of medications that make you feel dizzy and weak as you tend to fall.

What are the treatments in case you are suffering from hip injury?

An orthopedic surgeon can treat your hip fracture by the following ways-

1. Surgical methods like internal repair by using screws, partial or total replacement of hips depending on the severity.
2. Physical therapies and rehabilitation.
3. Medication and drugs- There is another chance of having a second hip fracture in a year or a two if you have already had one. Bisphosphonates can help in bringing down this risk.