Surgery Often Successful
Following Hip Fracture



Sustaining a hip fracture is a serious and all-too common problem, particularly for the elderly. It is a major source of disability, with a total cost of about $7 billion in the United States, and resulting in some 60,000 nursing home admissions each year.

The good news is that surgery is often successful and most people can walk and resume normal activities with few restrictions.

“Hip fractures can almost always be repaired with orthopedic surgery,” says orthopedic surgeon Joseph M. Lowry, D.O. A hip fracture is a fracture of the “neck” of the femur – the long bone that comprises the upper part of the leg. The neck of the femur is located between the shaft of the bone and the head (the “ball” that fits into the hip socket) of the femur.

Symptoms of a hip fracture include hip pain, swelling, bruising or a deformed-looking hip. The hip may be difficult to move, may make the hip seem too weak to lift the leg, and often results in pain in the groin when putting weight on the hip. In most cases, a person with a hip fracture is in too much pain to move or to walk. Attempting to walk or stand can cause the fracture to extend further, which may worsen the pain. If a fracture is suspected, call an ambulance. An X-ray or MRI can confirm the diagnosis of a hip fracture.

“Recovery time from a hip fracture depends on how the fracture is treated,” says Dr. Lowry. The usual surgery depends on the type of fracture involved. Treatment can range from screws inserted through a small incision near the hip, a titanium rod place down the femur to a partial hip replacement which involves opening up the hip joint and replacing part of the hip with a metal implant.

“Fortunately,” says Dr. Lowry, “new fixation techniques are being used to securely stabilize fractures, which makes it possible for individuals to get out of bed shortly after surgery. In most cases, the individual should try using a walker as soon as possible after the bone is secured. Usually patients are mobilized out of bed the day after surgery using a walker for assistance.”

The walker may be used for up to six to eight weeks before switching over to a cane. Some cases may take even longer, and most people with hip fractures will need long-term assistance with one or more basic activities.

“The team that includes the orthopedic surgeon, nurses, physical therapists, social workers, family and friends is important to recovery,” says Dr. Lowry. “Together, issues related to reduced function can be addressed.”

As with anything else, prevention is always the best alternative. Maintaining bone strength and preventing falls are the two main ways to prevent a hip fracture. To optimize bone strength, men and women of all ages should exercise regularly, take calcium and vitamin D, and discontinue smoking. This is particularly true for women, who are most susceptible to bone loss through osteoporosis.

Dr. Lowry specializes in Orthopaedic Surgery and is on the medical staff at Lakewood Hospital. To schedule an appointment with him or other Lakewood physicians, please call Medline, a toll-free physician referral service, at 1.866.733.6363.