Hip Fracture
It is a fracture of the femur bone, specifically the part of the femur that connects with the pelvic bone.
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What is a hip fracture?
It is a fracture of the femur bone, specifically the part of the femur that connects with the pelvic bone. The fracture can occur in different places. Here are the most common types of hip fractures:
- Femoral head fracture
- Femoral neck fracture
- Greater trochanter fracture
What are the symptoms of a hip fracture?
Symptoms can vary depending on the location and severity of the fracture. In general, the following symptoms are common:
- Hip pain (the pain may be on the side or in the groin)
- The pain may radiate to the buttock, pelvis, pubic area, and even down the thigh towards the knee.
- Generally, difficulty or inability to walk
- Several hip movements will generally be painful
- There may be bruising, swelling, and deformity, but not always.
What are the causes and risk factors of a hip fracture?
People most at risk of hip fractures are older adults with osteoporosis of the hip. Hip fractures are most common in people aged 80 and older.
Here are the most common causes of fractures:
- A fall in an elderly person
"Women are much more affected than men. Approximately 80% of hip fractures occur in women."
"Only 5% of hip fractures occur without a history of accident or clear trauma. So there is almost always a trauma."
Here are some factors that are associated with a higher risk of falls in older adults:
- Having fallen in the past
- Having difficulty walking
- Using an assistive device (walker, cane)
- Experiencing vertigo
- Having Parkinson's disease
Hip fractures in younger people are mainly associated with traumas such as:
- Significant falls
- A car accident
How is a hip fracture diagnosed?
A hip fracture can be diagnosed based on a review of your symptoms and a clinical examination. The diagnosis is confirmed with an X-ray of the hip.
When should I consult a physiotherapist for a hip fracture?
Your doctor should refer you to a physiotherapist after establishing a treatment plan for the fracture.
"If you are unsure what to do, you can consult a physiotherapist who will guide you in the right direction. If they believe a consultation with a doctor is necessary, they will let you know."
Did you know that physiotherapists are now authorized to prescribe X-rays if the injury occurred in a traumatic context within the last 72 hours? Therefore, you can consult a physiotherapist if you do not have quick access to a doctor.
What physiotherapy treatments are available for a hip fracture?
The first stage of treatment is guided by the doctor or orthopedic surgeon. Your physiotherapist will then work with your doctor.
Your physiotherapist will perform an assessment to determine your limitations and will evaluate the following elements:
- Your joint mobility
- The gliding of your nerves
- The quality of your movements
- Your strength and stability
Based on the assessment results, your physiotherapist will:
- Mobilize your joints and nerves to reduce pain and improve your movement
- Provide you with specific exercises to retrain the control of your hip movements.
- Give you exercises to regain mobility, reduce pain and regain your muscle strength.
- Teach you how to properly manage your daily activities and hobbies to optimize healing
- Give you advice for your posture and movements.
What to do at home for a hip fracture?
While waiting to see a doctor or physiotherapist, avoid movements that cause pain. Also, avoid putting weight on the painful leg until you have had an X-ray.
Sources
- Emmerson BR, Varacallo M, Inman D. Hip Fracture Overview. InStatPearls [Internet] 2020 Apr 17. StatPearls Publishing.
- Parker M, Johansen A. Hip fracture. Bmj. 2006 Jun 29;333(7557):27-30.
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