Hip Fracture
Medical Questions » Illnesses » Hip Fracture
| Name: Hip Fracture |
| Also known as: |
| A fracture of the top of the thigh bone (the femur) that normally does not directly involve the hip joint itself. Usually occurs in elderly people, particularly women. |
Causes of Hip Fracture
Falling on the side, particularly when the bone is thinned by osteoporosis (see separate entry). |
Symptoms of Hip Fracture
Pain and loss of function of the hip. |
Tests for Hip Fracture
Diagnosed by an X-ray. |
Treatment for Hip Fracture
Orthopedic surgeons usually totally replace the hip joint and the ball at the top of the femur, and patients are mobile again in only a few days. In other cases, surgery to fix the fracture in position with steel pins or screws, or many weeks in traction in bed are required to allow healing.
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Complications of Hip Fracture of its treatment
Failure to heal is common when the fracture is pinned and screwed. Death of a fragment of bone due to an inadequate blood supply may occur. Infection is possible with a hip replacement. |
Likely Outcome of Hip Fracture
Most hip replacements are very successful, but results are affected by the general health of the patient. |
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