When the upper part of the thigh bone (femur) breaks, this is known as a hip fracture. The femur is the largest bone in the body and it attaches to the hip bone (pelvis) forming the hip joint. A break in the femur close to the hip bone results in an injury to the hip joint. Hip fractures are common in adults 65 and older as a result of falls in the home. As people age, their bones are less capable of absorbing the impact of a fall without breaking.
Currently,11,000 adults over 65 experience hip fractures in South Africa every year. However, this number is expected to double by 2050 as the population of South Africa ages. When a hip fracture occurs in a younger adult or child, it’s usually a result of a sudden event, such as a car accident or high-impact falls. Hip fractures are very painful and need immediate medical attention due to the risk of complications.
Some common symptoms of a hip fracture include:
If someone is experiencing a hip fracture, the pain will probably be significant. The person may be unable to put any weight on the injured side of their body. It’s important to see a medical professional right away for a diagnosis and treatment.
Falls are the main cause of hip fractures in the elderly as bones weaken. Car accidents, big falls, and other high-impact events are the main cause of hip fractures in adults and children.
Risk factors for hip fractures include:
A doctor will take a full medical history and examine visible symptoms, such as pain, tenderness, and any deformities. Imaging studies will be used to provide a definitive diagnosis. Most of the time, an X-ray will be able to show a hip fracture. If a provider wants a more detailed picture of a hip fracture or if they suspect a hip fracture, but cannot see the fracture on an X-ray, they may order Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) or Computerised Tomography (CT) scans.
Common complications for those experiencing a hip fracture include:
Most hip fractures will require surgery to repair the break. Every surgery will be different, depending on how severe the fracture is, age, other health conditions, and if the bones need to be realigned. Surgery may consist of screws holding the bone together, a partial hip replacement, or a total hip replacement.
After surgery, people can expect to be in physical therapy and occupational therapy to learn how to strengthen their hip joint. They will also learn how to navigate life with a healing hip, including potential use of a walking aid, such as a cane, walker, or wheelchair.
Medication is used to manage the pain. Fall prevention measures, bone density tests for postmenopausal women, daily vitamins as recommended by a doctor, eliminating smoking, and consuming alcohol in moderation are ways people can prevent hip fractures.