Hip fractures are a serious concern, particularly for older adults. They can drastically affect mobility, independence, and overall quality of life. If you or a loved one is at risk of a hip fracture, understanding its causes and risk factors is crucial for both prevention and effective treatment.
At Hip & Knee Orthopaedics, we are dedicated to helping patients stay informed about their health and providing expert care for hip and knee conditions. In this post, we’ll cover everything you need to know about hip fractures — from what causes them to how to prevent them and when to seek medical attention.
Causes of Hip Fractures
Hip fractures typically occur when the upper part of the femur (thighbone) breaks, and these fractures are most often caused by trauma. Here are the leading causes to be aware of:
- Falls or Accidents: The most common cause of hip fractures is falling. For older adults, even a seemingly minor fall can result in a severe fracture due to weakened bones. Car accidents or other high-impact injuries can also lead to fractures. Hip fractures should be suspected in any older adults who are unable to weightbear, after a fall.
- Osteoporosis: Osteoporosis weakens bones, making them more brittle and prone to breaking. It is especially common among postmenopausal women and older adults. In fact, many hip fractures occur in people with undiagnosed osteoporosis, where a simple twist or even standing up awkwardly can lead to a fracture.
- Medical Conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as hyperthyroidism or long-term steroid use, can contribute to bone loss and increase the likelihood of fractures. Chronic illnesses like diabetes or Parkinson’s disease can also affect balance and increase fall risk.
Understanding these causes is essential for addressing the root problems that may increase the risk of hip fractures.
Risk Factors for Hip Fractures
Several risk factors can increase your likelihood of suffering a hip fracture. These factors are often interrelated, and recognising them can help you assess your own risk:
- Age: The risk of hip fractures increases significantly with age. Bone density decreases as we grow older, making bones more fragile.
- Gender: Women, especially postmenopausal women, are more prone to hip fractures due to reduced bone density caused by the decrease in oestrogen levels. Studies show that women are two to three times more likely to suffer a hip fracture than men.
- Bone Health: Poor bone health, whether due to osteoporosis, vitamin D deficiency, or inadequate calcium intake, can significantly heighten the risk of fractures. Regular bone density tests can help detect any issues early.
- Lifestyle Choices: Smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and a sedentary lifestyle can contribute to weaker bones. Lack of weight-bearing exercises, such as walking or resistance training, can also reduce bone strength.
- Genetic Predisposition: A family history of fractures or bone disorders can also increase your risk. If your parents or grandparents had osteoporosis or frequent fractures, you may need to take extra precautions to protect your bone health.
Considering these risk factors, it’s important to make adjustments to lower one’s chances of experiencing a hip fracture.
Prevention and Lifestyle Changes
Preventing hip fractures requires a proactive approach. Fortunately, there are several ways to reduce your risk:
- Maintain a Healthy Diet: Bone health is heavily influenced by nutrition. Ensure your diet includes adequate calcium, vitamin D and other essential nutrients that promote bone density. Foods like dairy products, leafy greens, and fortified cereals are great options.
- Engage in Regular Exercise: Weight-bearing exercises such as walking, jogging, or strength training help build bone mass and improve balance, which can reduce your risk of falling. Even simple exercises like tai chi or yoga can enhance flexibility and coordination.
- Fall Prevention Strategies: Minimising the risk of falls is crucial, especially for older adults. Consider making home modifications such as installing grab bars, improving lighting, and removing tripping hazards like loose rugs. Wearing supportive footwear and using walking aids if necessary can also reduce your fall risk.
- Manage Osteoporosis: If you’ve been diagnosed with osteoporosis, it’s essential to follow your doctor’s recommendations for managing the condition. This might include medications to strengthen bones and lifestyle changes focused on diet and exercise.
- Balance and Coordination Exercises: Improving balance can significantly reduce your fall risk. Balance training, like standing on one leg or using balance boards, can effectively prevent falls.
Taking preventive measures like these protects your bones and boosts your overall well-being.
When to Seek Medical Attention
Knowing when to seek medical help is critical if you suspect a hip fracture. Hip & Knee Orthopaedics recommends paying close attention to the following signs and symptoms:
- Experiencing intense pain in the hip or groin region
- Unable to bear weight on your leg
- Swelling or bruising around the hip
- Shortened or turned-out leg on the side of the injury
- Difficulty or inability to move your leg or walk
A hip fracture should be suspected in any elderly patients who are unable to weight-bear after a fall. Hip fractures require early diagnosis and early treatment in order to optimise outcomes, and reduce complications.
If any of these symptoms are present, seek medical attention immediately. Early intervention can prevent complications and ensure the best outcome.
Types of Hip Fractures
- Neck of Femur Fractures: These fractures occur at the neck of femur, and may disrupt the blood supply to the femoral head. In the younger individuals, emergency surgery should be performed, to reduce any displaced femoral head fractures, with cancellous screws insertion, in order to reduce the risk of avascular necrosis. In the older individuals who suffer displaced femoral head fractures, they will frequently require bipolar hemiarthroplasty. Early surgery even in the older adults with this injury, will improve outcomes and reduce mortality.
- Intertrochanteric fractures: These fractures involve the trochanter, and may be displaced or undisplaced. These are usually unstable injuries. Though they usually do not disrupt the blood flow to the femoral head, these injuries still require surgery. Fixation using a proximal femoral nail, will allow patients to achieve early mobilisation, early weightbearing and reduce the risks of prolonged bed rest.
- Subtrochanteric fractures: These fractures occur below the trochanter, are usually unstable, and once again require surgical fixation. They are treated similar to femoral shaft fractures. Early fixation allows for early weightbearing.
Treatment Options at Hip & Knee Orthopaedics
At Hip & Knee Orthopaedics, we provide comprehensive treatment options for hip fractures, focusing on personalised care tailored to each patient’s condition. Treatment options include:
- Surgical Intervention: In most cases, surgery is required to manage a hip fracture. Our skilled orthopaedic surgeons offer various surgical approaches, including hip pinning, proximal femoral nailing, bipolar hemiarthroplasty and or total hip replacement, depending on the severity and location of the fracture, and age of the patient.
- Non-Surgical Management: Non-surgical treatments such as physical therapy and pain management may be effective for minor fractures. However, most hip fractures are unstable and require surgery. Early surgical management of hip fractures improve outcomes, and reduce mortality. Our team will guide you through a rehabilitation programme to help restore mobility and strength.
- Rehabilitation: Rehabilitation is crucial for recovery after surgery. We provide customised rehabilitation programmes to ensure patients regain function and strength.
Conclusion
Understanding the causes, risk factors, and prevention strategies for hip fractures is essential for maintaining your health, especially as you age. You can significantly reduce your risk of a hip fracture by taking proactive steps such as improving your diet, exercising regularly, and preventing falls.
If you’re concerned about your risk of a hip fracture or need professional advice on bone health, don’t hesitate to consult with our specialists at Hip & Knee Orthopaedics. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step towards safeguarding your bone health.