It is a fracture that occurs in the upper part of the femur bone in the hip joint. It usually occurs as a result of a fall, traffic accident or sports injury. It is more common, especially in the elderly, as bone density decreases. It manifests itself with severe pain, limitation of movement and difficulty in walking. Treatment usually requires surgical intervention and is then supported by physical therapy.
What are the Symptoms of Hip Fracture?
Individuals with this condition feel severe pain in their hips or thighs. This pain often gets worse when they try to move. People experiencing this condition cannot bear weight on their legs on the broken side and cannot walk. They feel extreme pain when they try to walk. One leg may appear shorter than the other. Additionally, the leg on the side of the fracture may be in an outwardly rotated position. Swelling and bruising may occur in the hip area. These symptoms are caused by internal bleeding caused by the fracture. Individuals with this condition have difficulty moving their legs.
They feel pain when they move, and their mobility is severely restricted. There may be increased sensitivity to touch or pressure in the area of the fracture. People experiencing this condition may experience a general state of discomfort and uneasiness. This situation is caused by the pain and limitation of movement caused by the fracture. Individuals who exhibit hip fracture symptoms should seek medical attention immediately. If left untreated, it can lead to serious complications. Treatment is usually surgical, followed by physical therapy and rehabilitation.
What Causes Hip Fracture?
The most common cause is falls, especially in older individuals. A fall creates a direct blow to the hip area, which can lead to a fracture. It is also caused by traffic accidents, sports injuries and other high-energy trauma. Osteoporosis is a condition that causes bones to weaken and become brittle. This is especially common in older women and can be caused by even a minor fall. Diseases that damage bone structure, such as osteomalacia, cause bones to become more fragile and increase the risk. The family or people with a history of osteoporosis may have a higher risk.
Genetic factors can affect bone density and structure. Insufficient calcium and vitamin D intake can negatively affect bone health. Additionally, smoking and alcohol use can reduce bone density and increase risk. Chronic diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and Parkinson's disease can increase the risk of falls and therefore the risk of fractures. Additionally, some medications used to treat these diseases may negatively affect bone health. Regular physical activity is important for maintaining bone health. Lack of physical activity can lead to decreased muscle strength and increased risk of falls.
What are the Treatment Methods for Hip Fracture?
It can be fixed with screws and plates. This method is generally preferred for young and active patients. Fixation with screws and plates helps the natural healing process of the bones and ensures the stability of the fracture. Partial hip replacement is the process of replacing only the broken part of the hip. This method is especially preferred in femoral head fractures. Partial prosthesis increases the patient's mobility and reduces pain. Total hip replacement is the process of replacing both the femoral head and the acetabulum (hip socket) part of the hip. This method is preferred in patients of advanced age and with bone diseases such as osteoporosis. Total prosthesis allows the patient to return to daily activities more quickly. Some fractures may not require surgical intervention. It can be treated with immobilization method. This method is usually performed with bed rest and the use of a cast or splint to stabilize the fracture.
During the non-surgical treatment process, physical therapy is applied to maintain the patient's muscle strength. Physical therapy helps reduce pain and speed up the healing process. The rehabilitation process is of great importance in treatment. It aims to ensure that the patient regains his/her former mobility after treatment. After surgical intervention, the aim is to mobilize the patient as soon as possible. Early mobilization prevents muscle loss and accelerates the recovery process. Patients may use walking aids (e.g., a cane or walker) during the recovery process. These aids enable the patient to move safely. During the rehabilitation process, special exercise programs are applied to increase the patient's muscle strength and flexibility. These programs are arranged by the physiotherapist according to the needs of the patient. Treatment methods vary depending on the patient's condition and the severity of the fracture.
