Hip Fracture

Depending on the extent of damage, your health and age, your doctor may suggest any of these procedures.

Small metal screws are used in this method, to hold the bones together, while the fracture heals naturally.

In this procedure, the head and neck of the femur are replaced by a metal counterpart called prostheses. It is also called partial hip replacement.

This may be recommended if your joints are damaged by arthritis or other injuries, prior to the fall. In total hip arthroplasty, the upper part of the femur and pelvic bone socket are replaced with a metal replica. Partial hip arthroplasty and total hip arthroplasty may be recommended if the supply of blood to the hip joint gets restricted due to the fracture. This is the most likely case in elderly people and the bone takes very long to get back to normal.

An occupational therapist will provide you rehabilitation assistance after your surgery. You might or might not be able to move on the next day of the surgery, depending on the extent of damage. Therefore, the therapist will guide you with the exercises you can perform every day, to gradually regain strength and begin being on your own. Your therapist will teach you the techniques for easy accessibility of the toilet, to bathe, to dress and to cook on your own. You might also be recommended the usage of a walker or a wheelchair for independent motion.

Administering bone-strengthening drugs is done to prevent the possibility of another hip fracture. Bone strengthening drugs like bisphosphonates may therefore, be prescribed. If taken orally, this drug may cause side-effects in some. Hence, it could be advised to be taken intravenously using injections. But be sure the doctor knows, if you have kidney problems.