Hip fractures involves breaks or cracks in the upper region of the thigh bone near the hip joint. Generally, the injury is brought about by falls or sustaining damage to the side of the hip.
What are the signs?
The indications of hip fractures from a fall might include the following:
- Hip pain
- Affected leg appears shorter
- Inability to lift, rotate or turn the leg
- Swelling and bruising around the hip region
- Difficulty standing or placing any weight on the leg
- Leg turns outwards on the injured side
An individual with postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome experiences a variety of symptoms when upright.
When to seek medical care
If an individual is suspected with a hip fracture, he/she must be taken to a healthcare facility as soon as possible.
When dealing with hip fractures, do not attempt to move the individual while waiting for the emergency team and make sure that he/she is kept warm.
Management of hip fractures
Hip fractures are generally treated with surgery. In most cases, hip fractures are managed with surgery that should be ideally performed within 48 hours of being admitted to a healthcare facility.
In almost half of cases, partial or full hip replacement is required. Other cases require surgery to fix the fracture using rods, screws and plates.
Prevention
It might be possible to prevent hip fractures by observing the necessary steps in avoiding falls and proper management of osteoporosis.
The risk for falls can be lowered by:
- Using walking aids such as a stick
- Regular exercise to improve balance
- Assessing the house for any hazards such as loose rugs or carpeting as well as cleaning up clutter
Disclaimer / More Information
The information posted on this page on hip fractures is for learning and educational purposes only. To learn to recognize the signs and how it is managed, register for first aid training at one of our training centers located throughout Canada. The training centers are in Edmonton, Calgary, Vancouver, Kelowna, Saskatoon, Victoria, Surrey, Mississauga, Winnipeg, Red Deer, Toronto, Ottawa and Halifax.