A hip fracture is a fracture in the area of the hip joint that requires immediate treatment in hospital. It most often occurs as a result of a fall or other injury and is more common in older people and in people with osteoporosis. Below — the signs of a fracture, fall risk factors, and the role of osteoporosis.
Why a hip fracture is dangerous
Falls are a common cause of injuries, especially in older age. Healing a fracture takes from several weeks to several months, sometimes longer. A person may not regain the same strength and mobility they had before the injury, and after discharge they may need a cane or walker, which sometimes remain a need thereafter. Some people need help from caregivers or other specialists when they return home. Falls affect not only the body but also a person's confidence and independence.
In hospital after a fracture, people usually stay from 1 to 4 weeks. An X-ray confirms the fracture and helps determine treatment; the treatment itself is carried out in hospital.
Signs of a hip fracture
After a fall, the symptoms are usually fairly characteristic. Signs of a fracture include:
- pain in the hip area, the upper part of the leg, and the groin — where the legs meet the torso;
- inability to stand or put weight on the injured leg;
- difficulty moving the hip and leg;
- the leg at an unusual angle or shorter than the healthy one;
- swelling and bruising around the hip and upper part of the leg.
Hip pain after a fall requires urgent medical attention.
What increases the risk of falling
A fall can happen to anyone, but it is more likely in older age and in people with limited mobility. Muscles weaken with age. Conditions that affect mobility and balance add to this: arthritis, stroke, Parkinson's disease. The list of causes also includes low blood pressure, side effects of some medications, vision and hearing problems, and dementia.
Problems with the ears and hearing separately affect balance. Excessive alcohol consumption also increases the risk of falling. Poor nutrition and inadequate drinking can cause dizziness or weakness. At home, hazards are created by clutter — loose wires, rugs, and objects that are easy to trip over.
What is checked after a fall
A doctor checks balance simply: by asking the person to stand up and walk. They may then refer the person to a falls service. Such a service assesses muscle weakness, bone health and osteoporosis, vision problems, home safety and possible home adaptations, as well as the list of medications the person takes. The assessment is needed to understand what exactly increases the risk of falling and whether there are conditions affecting balance or strength.
Osteoporosis as a background
Osteoporosis is a condition in which bones are weaker; that is why bone health is assessed separately after a fracture in a person over 50 — this helps reduce the risk of another fracture, and you can ask your doctor about such an assessment.
When a doctor is needed and when to call an ambulance
See a doctor as soon as possible if severe hip pain has arisen suddenly without a fall. The same applies to a hip that is swollen and hot, a change in skin color around it, and hip pain together with general malaise and a high temperature or feeling hot, cold, or shivering. Separately — concern about your own balance or a fall you have already had.
Call 103 or 112 if, after a fall or injury, there is severe hip pain, the person cannot stand or put weight on the leg, or tingling or loss of sensation has appeared in the hip or leg. An ambulance is also called when a person has fallen and cannot get up, or if a head, back, neck, or hip injury is suspected.
This material is for reference and does not replace a doctor's consultation: decisions about examination and treatment are made by a doctor.
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This content is for reference and does not replace a doctor's consultation. Medical disclaimer