Hip Fracture Surgery

Which causes a hip fracture?

The term hip fracture refers to a break in the upper portion of your femur (thighbone) where it forms the hip joint. There are three types of hip fractures:

Femoral neck fracture

This fracture occurs just below the ball (femoral head) at the top of your leg. A femoral neck fracture may damage the joint, either directly during the impact causing the fracture, or indirectly as the fracture cuts off the blood supply.

Intertrochanteric hip fracture

This fracture is the most common type of hip fracture and it occurs about 3-4 inches away from the hip joint. It doesn’t affect blood supply to the bone.

Subtrochanteric fracture

This break occurs in the leg, about 2-3 inches below an intertrochanteric fracture.

In patients with healthy bones, hip fractures are caused by an intense impact from a fall or car accident. However, older patients may sustain a hip fracture from a minor fall, or even while standing still when their bones are weak due to osteoporosis. Other conditions, such as tumors and infections, can also make you susceptible to a hip fracture.

Hip fractures aren’t common in young adults, but when they happen, it’s often due to an injury sustained during a contact sport or an accident.

Additionally, stress fractures may occur due to overuse and account for about 10% of all hip fractures. A stress fracture develops from overuse as you frequently engage in the same activity. The repetitive stress causes microtraumas in the bone, and over time the trauma develops into a fracture.

What symptoms develop due to a hip fracture?

All types of hip fractures cause the classic symptoms of fractures anywhere in your body, including:

• Intense pain in your hip and groin
• Loss of leg mobility
• Swelling
• Bruising
• Inability to put weight on the affected leg
• Inability to move the leg
• Inability to get up

You may also experience symptoms beyond your hips, such as knee pain, lower back pain, a swollen leg, or your foot may be turned at an odd angle.

How is a hip fracture treated?

If you or your family have fallen, and a hip fracture is suspected, you should seek immediate medical care by going to the Emergency Room. The doctors in the Emergency Room will evaluate you first and confirm the diagnosis of hip fracture by obtaining an X-ray.

The first line of treatment for a hip fracture is usually surgery to ensure the bones are properly aligned, optimal strength is restored, and your hip joint is healthy. Depending on the location and severity of your fracture, Dr. Park may need to replace damaged cartilage on the femur, stabilize the fracture with screws and plates, or perform a total hip replacement as part of hip fracture surgery.

If you need experienced care for a hip fracture, call the Houston office of Kwan (Kevin) Park, MD, or schedule an appointment online today.