BROKEN HIP

For children, a broken hip can cause major complications. Children get broken hips while engaged in sports or by playing and falling. As pediatric orthopedists, we specialize and only treat children.

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Broken Hip

Broken Hip The upper part of your femur and a portion of your pelvic bone meet to form your hip. A fractured hip typically results from a fracture in the top part of the femur or thigh bone. The hip is a ball-and-socket joint, which is where two or more bones meet. The femoral head serves as the ball, while the acetabulum, the curved portion of the pelvic bone, serves as the socket.

Compared to other types of joints, the hip’s construction offers a greater range of motion. You can, for instance, turn and move your hips in different ways. Other joints, like the knees and elbows, only allow a small amount of movement in one direction.

At any age, a broken hip is a dangerous ailment. Surgery is almost always necessary. Life-threatening complications from a shattered hip can occur. Continue reading to find out more about the dangers, signs, symptoms, prognosis, and treatment of a fractured hip.

Understanding the Dangers

Hip fractures are emergencies not just because of the injury to the femur and hip joint, but also due to the potential for accompanying severe injuries. In situations like severe falls or car accidents, the risk of additional trauma is high.

Potential Complications Include:

Blood Loss: A fracture severe enough to break the femur may damage the femoral artery, leading to significant blood loss, which can be fatal without immediate medical intervention.
Blood Clots: A broken hip increases the risk of developing blood clots, adding another layer of danger.

Age-Related Factors

For individuals over 65, the dangers are amplified. Older adults face longer recovery times, and the surgery required to treat a hip fracture can be more challenging.

Impact on Lifestyle:

Studies show that older adults who suffer a hip fracture often reduce or cease physical activities like walking. This reduction can lead to increased isolation, impacting mental and overall health. It’s crucial to maintain engagement in social and physical activities post-recovery. Consulting a healthcare provider can offer strategies to safely stay active and connected.

In summary, while a broken hip is a critical injury at any age, understanding the associated risks and taking steps to mitigate them is essential for recovery and maintaining quality of life.

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

How do children Break their Hips?

Hip fractures in children are relatively rare compared to adults. When they do occur, they are often the result of high-energy trauma, such as a motor vehicle accident or a significant fall from a height. Sports-related injuries, especially in activities like skateboarding or biking, can also lead to hip fractures in children.

What are the symptoms of a broken hip in a child?

Children with a broken hip may experience symptoms such as severe pain in the hip or groin area, swelling and bruising, difficulty or reluctance to bear weight on the affected leg, and an altered range of motion in the hip joint. It’s important to note that hip fractures in children can sometimes be mistaken for hip sprains or muscle strains, so a thorough evaluation by a healthcare provider is essential for an accurate diagnosis.

How are broken hips in children treated and what is their prognoses?

Treatment for a broken hip in a child depends on the type and severity of the fracture. In many cases, surgery is required to realign and stabilize the broken bones. The specific surgical approach will vary, but it may involve the use of pins, screws, plates, or rods to hold the bones in place. After surgery, rehabilitation and physical therapy are crucial to help the child regain strength and mobility. The prognosis for children with hip fractures is generally favorable, and with appropriate treatment and rehabilitation, most children can expect a full recovery. However, the outcome can vary depending on the individual case and any associated injuries. Follow-up care and monitoring are essential to ensure proper healing and long-term hip health.

When children break bones, parents need to take them to the very best doctors. At the Medical City Children’s Orthopedics and Spine Specialists, we are the best. We specialize in children and their bones.

What are the Forms of a Broken Hip?

Hip fractures can happen anywhere in the femur, which, as mentioned, is the ball component of the hip joint. The socket, or acetabulum, may occasionally fracture.

Femoral Neck Fracture

This kind of fracture develops in the femur around 1 to 2 inches from the point where the bone’s head and socket connection. By rupturing the blood arteries, a femoral neck fracture may stop the blood flow to the ball of your hip.

Intertrochanteric Hip Fracture

A hip fracture of the intertrochanteric kind occurs further away. 3 to 4 inches separate it from the joint and it doesn’t halt the femur’s blood supply.

Intracapsular Fracture

Your hip’s ball and socket are both impacted by this fracture. Additionally, it may cause ripping of the blood arteries that supply the ball.

What Causes a Broken Hip?

Possible reasons for hip fractures include:

Falling from a considerable height or a harsh surface.
An automobile accident, for example, might cause blunt hip damage.
Illnesses like osteoporosis, a sickness that destroys bone tissue, are examples.
Obesity puts an excessive amount of strain on the hip bones.

How Common is a Broken Hip?

Your chance of fracturing your hip might rise due to several factors. These include: You have a substantially higher chance of getting another fractured hip if you’ve already had one. Your risk of osteoporosis is higher if you are Asian or Caucasian in heritage. Your likelihood of fracturing your hip rises if you’re a woman. This is because women are more likely than males to develop osteoporosis.

Age

You can have a higher chance of fracturing your hip if you’re 60 years or older. Your bones’ density and strength may decline with advancing age. Weak bones are more likely to break. Other concerns that might increase your risk of falling with advancing age include eyesight and balance impairments.

Malnutrition

Protein, vitamin D, and calcium are among the elements that are crucial for the health of your bones in a balanced diet. Malnutrition can result from consuming insufficient calories or nutrients in your diet. You could fracture as a result of this. According to research, malnourished elderly persons are more likely to break a hip. Children’s future bone health also depends on their getting adequate calcium and vitamin D.

What are the Symptoms of a Broken Hip?

Among the signs of a shattered hip are:

Pain around the hips and groin
Shorter than the unaffected leg is the afflicted leg
An inability to walk, bear weight on, or apply pressure to the afflicted hip and leg
Bruising

A shattered hip may endanger life. Consult a doctor right away if you think you may have a fractured hip.

Can You Move a Person with a Broken Hip?

When someone has a suspected broken hip, it’s crucial to prioritize their safety and comfort until professional help arrives. Follow these guidelines to ensure you handle the situation properly:

Call Emergency Services: Dial 911 or your local emergency number immediately. Medical professionals are best equipped to provide the necessary care.
Keep the Person Still: Avoid moving, lifting, or transporting the individual unless necessary. Movement can worsen the injury.
Stabilize the Hip: Use pillows or blankets to keep the hip stable and supported. Ensure the injured area is cushioned to prevent additional strain.
Avoid Pressure: Do not apply pressure to the leg or hip area. The person mustn’t try to stand or walk, as this can cause further damage.

By following these steps, you ensure that the injured person receives optimal care while mitigating any risks of aggravating the injury.

When to Seek Emergency Room Care for a Hip Fracture

Hip fractures are serious and require immediate medical attention. It’s crucial to head to the emergency room if you suspect you’ve broken your hip. Here’s when you should prioritize a visit to urgent care:

Immobility: If you are unable to move your hip or leg, it’s a strong indication that something is seriously wrong.
Severe Pain: Intense or unbearably sharp hip pain is a red flag that parents should not ignore.
Visible Deformity: If your hip or leg appears oddly positioned or disfigured, this could signify a fracture.
Bone Exposure: In some cases, the broken bone might pierce through the skin, which is a clear emergency.
Swelling and Bruising: Extreme swelling or the sudden appearance of severe bruising alongside any symptoms above signals the need for immediate medical evaluation.

Accidents like falls or automotive collisions that result in these symptoms warrant an immediate call to emergency services for transportation to the hospital. Remember, acting swiftly can significantly affect recovery outcomes.

Can You Walk with a Broken Hip?

Attempting to stand, walk, or put weight on a broken hip is not possible. Such actions can exacerbate the fracture and lead to further complications and injuries. The inability to walk or bear weight is not just a symptom but a critical indicator that immediate medical attention is required.

If you suspect a broken hip, it’s essential to refrain from applying pressure and seek professional medical advice promptly. Ignoring these signs can worsen the situation and potentially lead to more severe health issues.

Diagnosing a Broken Hip

The apparent indications of a fractured hip, such as swelling, bruising, or deformity, will help diagnose the problem. However, our doctors may request specialized testing to support the preliminary diagnosis to establish a precise diagnosis. Our doctors can discover fractures with the use of imaging testing. At first, they may recommend X-ray scans to view the hip.

They may employ other techniques, such as MRI or CT scans as well. An MRI will detect a hip bone break better than an X-ray. This imaging device can create a large number of intricate images of the hip region. Doctors can view the scans on a computer screen or film. Using CT imaging, you may see images of your hip bone and the muscles, tissues, and fat that surround it.

Surgical Treatment

Most fractures require surgical intervention within a day or two following the event.

Though the recovery after a hip fracture surgery is lengthy, it is effective. To get the individual out of severe agony, surgery is required. Furthermore, getting out of bed benefits the sufferer. Fewer risks of problems occur when surgery is performed more quickly.

Complications of Hip Fracture Surgery

Like any surgical procedure, hip fracture surgery can carry certain risks. Here are some potential complications:

Avascular Necrosis: This is bone death that occurs when blood flow is interrupted for too long.
Nonunion: Sometimes, the bone may not heal completely or at all.
Malunion: This happens when a broken bone doesn’t align correctly during the healing process.
Bone Infection (Osteomyelitis): Particularly in cases of open fractures, there’s an increased risk of bacterial infection.

Treatment Options

Three factors are mostly what determine how to treat a hip fracture. The appropriate course of action is determined by the kind, location, age, and health of the patient. The two primary forms of surgery are as follows:

Internal Fixation or Hip Pinning: Also known as hip repair surgery, this involves using metal rods, plates, or screws to hold the bones together as they heal. If the surgeon can properly align the bones, they will do this type of surgery.
Hip Replacement Surgery: This aims to completely or partially replace the joint with prosthetic components. The doctor restores the top portion of the damaged thigh bone when the hip is only partially replaced. When having a total hip replacement, the upper thigh bone, and the hip socket are both replaced. This is performed when doctors cannot align the shattered bones properly.

The experts suggest beginning to move as soon as possible after the procedure. This is due to the potential for bedsores, pneumonia, and blood clots in an untreated situation. children may not dress themselves after the procedure. Parents may need to implement rehabilitation techniques.

Rehabilitation

Occupational therapy and physical therapy are key components of rehabilitation. They instruct you in:

Safer methods to exercise regularly.
Exercises to improve mobility and strength.
Newer techniques for doing simple tasks.

These comprehensive approaches ensure not only effective recovery but also minimize the potential complications often associated with hip fracture surgeries.

Understanding Hip Fracture Recovery Time

Recovering from a fractured hip is a journey that often spans several months. While gradual improvements can be observed, full recovery may extend up to a year. The timeline for recovery isn’t one-size-fits-all and hinges on various factors:

Type of Surgery: The specific surgical procedure undertaken can influence how quickly you heal.
Additional Injuries: Any other injuries sustained during the incident may impact your recovery pace.
Age & Health: Younger individuals or those in better health may recover more swiftly.
Cause of Fracture: The underlying cause can also play a significant role.

Steps Toward Recovery:

Consultation: Post-surgery, your healthcare provider will outline a personalized recovery plan. This timeline aims to align with your circumstances and overall health.
Physical Therapy: Physical therapy is usually initiated soon after the surgery. It plays a crucial role in helping you regain mobility and strength.
- Exercises: Tailored exercises will be provided by your physical therapist to fortify the muscles surrounding your hip.
Mobility Aids: Tools like walkers, canes, or crutches might be part of your daily routine. The duration you’ll need them varies, and it’s wise to seek advice from your healthcare team.

Patience and diligent adherence to your prescribed rehabilitation activities are key to a successful recovery. With time, effort, and professional guidance, you can work towards resuming your regular activities.

Non-Surgical Treatments

There are certain non-invasive options available if you need hip fracture therapy without surgery and there is a fracture. If the bone pieces are still in their proper locations, you can use the following techniques:

Activity Modification

The doctor might advise against placing any weight on the injured region for at least six weeks after a hip fracture. This provides the bone with some healing time. To go around, you’ll need a walker, a cane, or crutches.

Electronic and Ultrasonic Bone Stimulation

The bone stimulation method aids in the rapid bone healing process. Here, a weak electrical current or a weak pulsed sound wave are both employed.

Physical Therapy for Broken Hips

These are only a variety of exercises to keep the muscles and joints close to the damaged area mobile and strong. For instance, leg lifts and hamstring stretches are a few examples of these exercises.

Hip Replacement

You can require either a partial or total hip replacement depending on the kind of damage. Your doctor could advise that you rehabilitate in a rehab center after hip replacement surgery.

Medications

Both over-the-counter and prescription pain relievers can help you control pain and lessen inflammation. To lower the risk of infection after hip fracture surgery, your doctor will prescribe antibiotics for a short period.

How do you Prevent a Broken Hip?

A fractured hip may not be something you can stop. However, you can reduce your chance of fracture through:

Being energetic

Exercise builds muscle strength and prevents bone loss. Swimming, tai chi, and weight exercises improve strength and balance.

Eating healthy

Your bones can grow stronger if you get enough calcium and vitamin D in your diet.

Getting regular medical checkups

A bone density test can detect osteoporosis, so discuss this option with your doctor. Bisphosphonates are drugs that decrease bone loss and strengthen bones; Our doctors often recommend them.

Preventing accidents

Keep your house clear of any dangers that might lead to a fall, such as throw rugs. Use caution when climbing stairs or walking on ice surfaces. If you have Parkinson’s disease, discuss fall prevention and balance maintenance with your healthcare practitioner.

Staying fit

Keep a healthy weight, abstain from smoking, and limit your alcohol use.

Updating your eyeglasses

Your risk of falling might rise if you have vision issues. Get routine eye exams to monitor your eyesight. Make sure the prescriptions for your eyeglasses and contact lenses are current.

Do you Want Your Child to See the Very Best?

Finally, do you require an orthopedic expert? To discuss your choices, make an appointment with one of our specialists at the Medical City Children’s Orthopedics and Spine Specialists, who has received specialized training in fracture and trauma care. We have offices in Arlington, Dallas, Flower Mound, Frisco, and McKinney, TX. For a wide variety of severe injuries, Medical City Children’s Orthopedics and Spine Specialists offer thorough diagnosis, treatment, and care. Please, get in touch with us right away for treatment of a fractured hip.

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American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons: Hip Fractures

Call 214-556-0590 to make an appointment.

Comprehensive services for children from birth through adolescence at five convenient locations: Arlington, Dallas, Flower Mound, Frisco and McKinney.