A hip fracture occurs when the upper part of the femur (thigh bone) is broken. The femur forms the ‘ball’ of the ball and socket hip joint.
These fractures most commonly occur after a simple trip and fall in older patients, and after high-energy accidents such as falling from a bike at speed in younger patients.
Key Points — Diagnosis and Management
These points will be discussed in more detail when you meet your surgeon.
- It is rare that surgery can be avoided. Surgery restores stability to the leg, allowing you to get out of bed and mobilise. This aids recovery and reduces the complications associated with bed rest. Surgical treatment of hip fractures is one of the major surgical advances of the 20th century.
- Depending on where the break is, treatment may include fixing the fracture with screws and/or a large screw and plate to stabilise the bone. Some fractures heal poorly and are better treated with total hip replacement.
Key Points — Surgical Treatment
- The Nexus surgeons have a huge experience in managing this problem, treating around 400 patients a year between them.
- You will either have a general anaesthetic (you will be asleep) or a spinal anaesthetic (awake, but sedated). This decision will be made after you have spoken to your consultant anaesthetist.
- This is a safe, reliable and effective operation for 90{45b031cbbaeb733800beb0ea37219f485e2a0afe82905ca5c17c31332adcc620} of people.
- Depending on your general health and support at home you will be away from home in a hospital or rehabilitation centre for somewhere between a few days and a few weeks.
