Hip Fractures

Are you experiencing pain or discomfort in the upper area of your leg, on either the inside or outside of the leg? Is the pain worse when you attempt to move or rotate your leg or hip? You may be suffering from a hip fracture.

Hip Fractures: What is it?

A hip fracture occurs when there is a break in the upper part of the femur bone. There are three primary types of hip fractures: intracapsular fractures, intertrochanteric fractures, and subtrochanteric fractures. Each of these fractures types relates to a fracture on a specific location of the femur.

Symptoms: What does Hip Fractures feel like?

Patients suffering from a hip fracture will likely experience significant pain in the upper leg area. The pain may be felt on the inside of the leg, outside of the leg, or across the entire leg. The pain will likely increase with any attempt to rotate the hip joint.

Causes

Hip fractures are most commonly caused by a significant fall or direct blow to the side of the leg or hip. Some medical or genetic conditions such as osteoporosis and cancer can increase the risk of hip fractures due to a weakening of the bone.

Evaluation: How is Hip Fractures diagnosed?

In some cases, a visual evaluation will reveal a likely hip fracture. Visual cues can include one leg that appears shorter than the other, or a patient relaxing their leg and pointing their toe outward. However, a hip fracture will eventually be confirmed through an X-ray of the hip and femur bones.

In some cases, an incomplete hip fracture may not be visible on an X-ray. When a doctor still believes a hip fracture may be present, an MRI evaluation may be necessary to further identify the possible hip fracture. For patients unable to undergo an MRI, a CT scan may also be used to identify a fracture.

Treatment

If the femur is relatively stable despite the hip fracture, nonsurgical treatments may be an option. Immobilization of the area and ongoing monitoring of the fracture is often included in nonsurgical treatments for hip fractures.

Surgical Options

Your surgeon will consider the location of your hip fracture and their comfort with various types of surgical options when making a decision on your hip fracture surgery.

Intracapsular Fracture. If the head or “ball” of the femur bone alone is broken, your surgical treatment will focus on fixing or replacing the cartilage on the damaged ball. Entering from either the front or back of the hip (and occasionally, from both directions), your surgeon will use surgical screws to repair the fracture, secure the joint, and mobilize the hip.

In younger patients, consideration is given to properly position and strengthen the ball of the femur bone to keep it from flattening over time, which can lead to painful arthritis after surgery. In older patients, hip fracture surgery may also result in total hip replacement to help avoid post-surgical arthritis symptoms as well.

Intertrochanteric Fracture. Most intertrochanteric fractures are managed with either a compression hip screw or an intramedullary nail, which helps repair, strengthen, and mobilize the hip joint.

Subtrochanteric Fracture. Like the other fractures, your surgeon may use a combination of surgical nails and supporting screws to repair and secure your hip joint. Additionally, in certain cases your surgeon may use a surgical plate in addition to support screws to properly position and secure the joint for mobility after surgery.

Recovery: What Can Be Expected?

Recovery after a hip fracture treatment can be significant. While many patients are relesed and recover at home, some patients require an extended stay at an assisted care facility as they recover and regain mobility for daily living. Your doctor will help you create a therapy plan to assist you in regaining full motion after surgery.

As pain is a natural part of most surgical and healing experiences, your doctor will prescribe a pain management plan for you based on the extent of your fracture and treatment. Your pain management may include over the counter medications or prescribed medications to assist in managing pain throughout your recovery.

Patients will be encouraged to get out of bed each day and work to fulfill their recovery plan in order to best achieve their full mobility goals.

Senior couple walking their bike along happily talking happily

Frequently asked questions about Hip Fractures

Physicians

The following physicians specialize in the treatment of Hip Fractures:

Evan N. Hermanson, MD

Keith M. Baumgarten, MD

Michael J. Adler, MD

Luke H. Rasmussen, MD

Matthew J. McKenzie, MD

Corey P. Rothrock, MD

Peter A. Looby, MD

Erik D. Peterson, MD

Dustin P. Collins, MD

Timothy L. Walker, MD

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Testimonials

Dr. Zoellner did my first hip replacement almost 18 years ago and I am very pleased with it. Returned to him concerning my knees. Very knowledgeable and more than willing to answer any questions. He also answered questions I had about my husband’s possible hip replacement. Recommended a highly qualified surgeon for my husband. Highly recommend Dr. Zoellner, Orthopedic Institute and the entire staff.

Dr. Looby and his entire staff were outstanding. He took the time to explain my options for less invasive treatment and ultimately the full hip joint replacement. I appreciated the fact he didn’t want to rush to surgery but was willing to explore and explain all the options. When we did decide on the total hip joint replacement, he took the time to explain the procedure and what the future would look like….I could resume my physical activities including running. I am one month post-operative and have no pain and walking again without crutches or Cane.

Dr. Adler literally gave me my life back. I had an anterior total hip replacement. For me it was a same day surgery. I could not walk more than a block without excruciating pain. I have been walking 1 to 3 miles a day since week 4. I could not even get on my bike, now I am biking 6 to 8 miles at a time. He is an excellent surgeon with a great bedside manner!

Dr Baumgarten is very straight forward yet understanding of my hip issues. Doctor visit led to surgery with excellent results. Not living in the immediate area, I was thankful that they were respectful of my time and made efficient use of every trip I made to their office. The staff is knowledgeable yet personable. I highly recommend them! A fabulous doctor and team!!

Hip Fractures

Hip Fractures: What is it?

Symptoms: What does Hip Fractures feel like?

Causes

Evaluation: How is Hip Fractures diagnosed?

Treatment

Surgical Options

Recovery: What Can Be Expected?

Frequently asked questions about Hip Fractures

Physicians

Evan N. Hermanson, MD

Keith M. Baumgarten, MD

Michael J. Adler, MD

Luke H. Rasmussen, MD

Matthew J. McKenzie, MD

Corey P. Rothrock, MD

Peter A. Looby, MD

Erik D. Peterson, MD

Dustin P. Collins, MD

Timothy L. Walker, MD

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Testimonials

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