Hip Fractures

Surgery

• Surgery is usually done very soon after a hip fracture is diagnosed often within 24 hours. The goal of surgery is to stabilize the bone to allow movement and walking when possible.
• Partial Hip replacement may be recommended to allow a quicker recovery and allow early weight bearing on the affected leg.
• Internal Fixation. This refers to plates or rods that stabilize the bone to allow healing in a normal position. Having surgery right away can help shorten a stay in the hospital and may decrease pain and complications. In some cases, surgery may be delayed for 1 to 2 days so the doctor can treat other medical problems and reduce the risk of complications.

Palliative care or Hospice

Some hip fractures happen at the end of life and in patients who are very ill. Treating a hip fracture with surgery may not always be in the best interests of the patient. Palliative care or hospice medical care are programs that focus on improving the quality of life for patients and their families. It may be done with or without surgical or medical treatment.

Before Deciding

Before you decide on treatment, you and your family should talk with the surgeon or care manager about the risks and possible complications. Discuss and answer these questions together.

I'm concerned about:

• My medical conditions and whether or not they might get worse if I have surgery
• Anesthesia and how it may affect my ability to think
• The cost of surgery and my care after surgery

It is important that I:

• Can continue to live at home
• Am able to continue all of my favorite activities
• Can continue to manage my basic needs by myself (fix meals, bathe, dress, get in and out of bed) when I go home
• Extend my life
• Don't have pain

It would be okay to:

• Have some help managing my needs when I go home
• Go to a care facility for a period of time while I heal
• Move to a care facility permanently

Some hip fractures can’t be prevented, since they’re due to accidents and trauma. However, older people especially can work to prevent falls—and potential hip fractures. One in three people aged 65 or more living in the community fall at least once a year. Falls are the leading cause of injury-related death for individuals 65 and older. Almost all hip fractures among older adults are caused by falls. Here are some commonsense ways to prevent falls that could cause hip fractures.

Reduce tripping hazards:

• Remove throw rugs, cords, and small objects.
• Tack down or tape carpet edges.
• Remove clutter.
• Clear pathways of furniture and electrical cords.

Improve lighting:

• Use night lights.
• Add lamps.
• Make sure hallways are lighted well.
• Make sure there’s good lighting at the top and bottom of each flight of stairs.

Make the bathroom safer:

• Put handrails in bathroom for bath, shower, and toilet use.
• Use non-slip mats in the bathtub and shower.

Keep a cell or portable phone in reach, and:

• Put a list of important phone numbers near the phone in large print.
• If you have wall phones, they should be installed at least in the kitchen and bedroom.
• If possible, replace wall phones with table designs, portable phones, or cell phones
• Keep phone and charging cords out of walking areas.

Limit reaching or bending:

• Store commonly used items on lower shelves or on counter tops.
• Avoid using step stools.