Hip Fracture Surgery

Anatomy

The hip joint is a “ball and socket” joint. The “ball” is the head of the femur or thigh bone, and the “socket” is the cup-shaped acetabulum. The hip joint enables the upper leg to bend and rotate at the pelvis.The thigh bone has two bony processes on the upper part - the greater and lesser trochanters. The lesser trochanter projects from the base of the femoral neck on the back of the thigh bone. The joint surface is covered by a smooth articular surface that allows pain-free movement in the joint.

What is Hip Fracture

Hip fractures involve a break that occurs near the hip in the upper part of the femur or thigh bone. Hip fractures can occur either due to a break in the femoral head, femoral neck, in the area between the greater and lesser trochanter or below the lesser trochanter.

Surgical correction of a hip fracture is known as hip fracture surgery.

Causes of Hip Fractures

Hip fractures are most frequently caused after minor trauma in elderly patients with weak bones, like fall from standing height or while walking. Hip fractures can also occur after high velocity accidents (such as road traffic accidents, fall from height etc. ) in any age group.

Signs and Symptoms of Hip Fractures

Signs and symptoms of hip fractures include:

•   Not able to put weight on the leg
•   Increasing pain in the affected hip
•   Pain in the groin or outer upper thigh
•   Swelling and tenderness
•   Discomfort while rotating the hip
•   Shortening of the injured leg
•   Outward or inward turning of the foot and knee of the injured leg

Surgery for Hip Fractures

Surgery is usually the best treatment for a broken (fractured) hip. Three types of surgery can be used.

•   Hip repair (internal fixation) . Hip repair involves reducing and stabilizing the broken bones with surgical screws, nails, rods, or plates. This type of surgery is usually for people who have fractures in which the bones can be properly aligned.
•   Partial hip replacement surgery. This surgery replaces the top of the thigh bone (the ball of the hip joint) with artificial parts made of ceramic or metal. It does not replace the hip socket.
•   Total hip replacement surgery. This surgery replaces all parts of the joint with artificial parts made of metal, ceramic, or plastic.

Post op Care

Hip fracture surgery involves multimodal care especially in the elderly. After your surgery you will be instructed on walking and doing daily activities, breathing exercises, prevention of blood clots (DVT), soft tissue care, etc.

For further information, booking a consultation, and to plan your Hip fracture - contact us