Hip Fracture

What is Hip Fracture?

The hip joint is a “ball and socket” joint. The “ball” is the head of the femur or thighbone, and the “socket” is the cup-shaped acetabulum. The joint surface is covered by a smooth articular surface that allows pain-free movement in the joint.

A hip fracture is a break that occurs near the hip in the upper part of the femur or thighbone. The thighbone has two bony processes on the upper part - the greater and lesser trochanters. The lesser trochanter projects from the base of the femoral neck on the back of the thighbone. Hip fractures can occur either due to a break in the femoral neck, in the area between the greater and lesser trochanter or below the lesser trochanter.

Causes of Hip Fractures

Hip fracture is most frequently caused after minor trauma in elderly patients with weak bones, and by high-energy trauma or serious injuries in the young. The long-term use of certain medicines increases your risk for hip fractures.

Signs and Symptoms of Hip Fractures

The signs and symptoms of hip fractures include:

• Pain in the groin or outer upper thigh
• Swelling and tenderness
• Discomfort while rotating the hip
• Shortening of the injured leg
• Outward or inward turning of the foot and knee of the injured leg

Diagnosis of Hip Fractures

Your doctor may order an X-ray to diagnose your hip fracture. Other imaging tests, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), may also be performed to detect the fracture.

Depending on the area of the femur involved, hip fractures are classified as:

• Intracapsular fracture
• Intertrochanteric fracture
• Subtrochanteric fracture

Treatments for Hip Fractures

Hip fractures can be corrected and aligned with non-operative and operative methods:

Traction may be an option to treat your condition if you are not fit for surgery. Skeletal traction may be applied under local anesthesia, where screws, pins, and wires are inserted into the femur, and a pulley system is set up at the end of the bed to bear heavy weights. These heavy weights help in correcting the misaligned bones until the injury heals.

Hip fractures can be surgically treated with external fixation, intramedullary fixation, or by using plates and screws.

Why Choose Dr. Christian Eccles for Hip Fracture

A hip fracture is a serious injury, and the right treatment depends on where the break is and on your overall health. Here is what you can expect from our team:

• Hip-focused surgical training: Dr. Eccles completed a five-year orthopaedic surgery residency at the University of Louisville and an Adult Reconstruction Fellowship in hip and knee replacement at Indiana University.
• A plan matched to your fracture: Dr. Eccles reviews your X-rays, and an MRI when needed, to identify whether the break is intracapsular, intertrochanteric, or subtrochanteric before recommending treatment.
• A full range of treatment options: Depending on the fracture, care may include internal fixation with screws, rods, or plates, partial hip replacement, or total hip replacement. Traction may be considered if you are not able to have surgery.
• Attention to your overall health: Before surgery, we review your medications and general health so your treatment is as safe as possible.
• Two convenient Gilbert offices: We see patients at our North Gilbert and South Gilbert offices, close to home for families in Gilbert, Queen Creek, Chandler, and Mesa.

Hip Fracture FAQs

What are the warning signs of a hip fracture?

Common signs include pain in the groin or outer upper thigh, swelling, pain when you rotate your hip, and a leg that looks shorter or turned in or out. If you think you may have broken your hip after a fall, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.

Do all hip fractures need surgery?

Most hip fractures are treated surgically because surgery helps you get out of bed and moving sooner. If you are not healthy enough for an operation, non-surgical options such as traction may be considered.

Why can a minor fall cause a hip fracture?

As bones weaken with age or with conditions such as osteoporosis, even a simple fall can break the upper thighbone. In younger people, hip fractures usually result from higher-energy injuries, such as car accidents or serious falls.

How can I lower my risk of another fracture?

Staying active, removing tripping hazards at home, and talking with your primary care doctor about your bone health can all help. As you recover, we will guide you on safe activity and walking aids.