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By Aliyah Baruchin, HealthAtoZ writer
One of the injuries most feared by older adults is a hip fracture. It usually requires surgery and may lead to life-threatening complications. The keys to overcoming a hip fracture are to get timely treatment and to participate in your own recovery.
Who is at risk?
You can lower your risks by avoiding osteoporosis (thinning bones) and preventing falls. Hip fractures are most common in older adults - especially women - who have more bone loss than men as they age. People with osteoporosis are at the greatest risk. Other factors that can lead to a hip fracture include:
- Genetics. Caucasians, Asians and people of any race who are tall and slender are at an increased risk for developing fragile bones as they age. If family members had fractures in their later years, you're more at risk for bone loss.
- Medical conditions. Certain health conditions can cause bone loss. These include diabetes and rheumatoid conditions. Diseases that affect mental alertness or the nervous system (e.g., dementia, multiple sclerosis) can increase the risk of falls.
- Medications. Certain diuretics and blood thinners can contribute to bone loss. Drugs that affect balance and alertness can increase your risk of falling.
- Lifestyle. Being inactive, eating poorly, smoking and drinking heavily can all increase your risk for weakened bones. Getting enough calcium and vitamin D is especially important.
Diagnosis and treatment
You'll probably know right away if you've broken a hip. You'll have a lot of pain and probably won't be able to place any weight on the affected leg. Get to an emergency room right away. A hip fracture can be detected with an x-ray, or sometimes with an MRI or CT scan.
Surgery is needed for almost all hip fractures. Pins, screws or rods are used to fix breaks, or some or all of the hip joint is replaced. You'll probably have surgery within 24 hours of the fracture. If you have another health condition that needs to be stabilized before surgery, you may have to wait a day or two. Your hip may need to be in traction until you have surgery.
After surgery, you can expect to be in the hospital for about a week. During that time, it's crucial to begin moving around. Activity helps reduce complications, allows you to gain strength and flexibility in your hip, and helps you heal.
The day after surgery, a nurse will help you sit in a chair. When you leave the hospital, you may go into a facility to have physical therapy and get help with activities like bathing, dressing and walking.
You will need a cane or walker for several months after surgery. Recovery takes about a year. During that time, rehab will help you strengthen your hip and relearn daily activities. Be patient during your recovery and remember to stay active.
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