McKesson Clinical Reference Systems: Women's Health Advisor 2002.2
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What is a hip fracture?

What we often call a hip fracture is actually a fracture of the neck of the femur (thighbone). The fracture occurs at the upper end of the femur where it meets the pelvic bone. It is a common fracture in people with osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is a condition in which bones become thin after middle age.

Most hip fractures occur in women after menopause. About 15% of all women have a hip fracture during their lifetimes.

How does it occur?

Hip fractures usually result from a fall. Because osteoporosis weakens the bones and makes them much more likely to break, hip fractures occur more often as women get older. One in four women have osteoporosis by the age of 60. By the age of 75, half of all women have it.

What are the symptoms?

• You have severe pain in your hip.
• You cannot bear to put any weight on your leg.
• You have stiffness, bruising, and swelling in your hip.
• Your leg is shortened or turns either inward or outward.

How is it diagnosed?

Your doctor will review your medical history and examine your hip. Often the fracture is obvious from the abnormal position of the hip and leg.

An x-ray usually shows the fracture. It will also show osteoporosis if you have it.

How is it treated?

If the ends of the broken bone are impacted (pushed together firmly) by the fall, the bone can heal naturally. In this case, your doctor may prescribe painkillers, bed rest, and physical therapy for a few weeks to allow healing.

More often, however, the ends of the bone are separated and out of line. When this happens, surgery is needed to either repair the bone or replace the hip joint. The choice of surgical treatment will depend on where the break is and on your other medical conditions.

Physical therapy will help you rebuild muscle strength and start walking again.

How can I take care of myself?

• Follow the treatment plan prescribed by your doctor and physical therapist.
• Follow your doctor's recommendations for controlling osteoporosis.
• Wear well-fitting flat shoes. Avoid wearing high heels and sandals with light straps. Avoid shoes with soles that are too slippery or too sticky, such as some crepe or rubber soles.
• Use a cane or walker if you have been advised to do so.
• Prevent falls in your home with good lighting. Don't leave electric cords around to trip over. Arrange furniture so you don't bump into or fall over it.
• Have nonslip floors and avoid wet floors. Don't use area rugs that you could trip over.
• Install grab bars in your bathroom. Put nonskid tape in your bathtub and shower.
• Be sure that stair treads and handrails are firmly in place.
• Eat more calcium-rich food: dairy products, green vegetables, citrus fruit, sardines.
• Consider taking estrogen and vitamin D, if you are not doing so already. Discuss this with your doctor.
• Try to exercise daily, according to the advice of your health care provider or therapist. Walk a mile a day if you can, once you have healed.
• Avoid climbing, heavy lifting, and unusual vigorous physical activity. Do not use step stools or ladders to reach high places. Get help when you need it.
• If you smoke or drink alcohol, quit.

This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information is intended to inform and educate and is not a replacement for medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.