Surgery for Hip Fracture
More than 320,000 adults are hospitalized annually for a hip fractures according to the American Association of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Osteoporosis increases your risk of fracturing a hip.
If you have a hip fracture, the pain is probably too great for you to stand. Whether from a fall or other trauma, a hip fracture requires immediate medical attention and surgery. In a few cases the patient is in such poor health that surgery is not recommended.
Before surgery
- Tests are given to ensure your general good health especially if you are older. Blood tests, chest x-rays, electrocardiograms, and urine samples will be taken before surgery.
- You’ll be given anesthesia either general or spinal. Antibiotics will be administered during surgery and for 24 hours afterwards.
Surgery
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Surgical treatment depends on your age, condition and the type of fracture you have.
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Once the bones are repositioned, your surgeon is likely to use one surgical screws or metallic devices to hold bones in place while they heal.
- Metal screws. If, after the break, the bone is still properly aligned, your doctor may insert metal screws into the bone to hold it together while the fracture heals.
- Replacement of part of the femur. If the ends of the broken bone aren't properly aligned or they've been damaged, your doctor may remove the head and neck of the femur and replace them with a metal prosthesis.
- Total hip replacement. In general, the older you are the more likely you are to receive a hip replacement.
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Intertrochanteric region fractures. To repair this type of fracture, your doctor may insert a metal screw across the fracture. The screw is attached to a plate that runs down the femur and is attached with other screws to help keep the bone stable.
Recovery room
After the operation is over, you’ll be moved to the recovery room where specially trained nurses will continue to monitor your vital signs. Once your condition is stabilized, you’ll be moved to a hospital room where you’ll be given pain medication. Your family will be notified as soon as your operation is over. In your hospital room, nurses will continue to monitor your vital signs and wound dressing.
Orthopaedic unit stay
During your time in the hospital, your orthopaedic surgeon, nurses and physical therapists will monitor your condition and progress closely.
- It’s important after surgery to cough and breathe deeply to help your lungs remain clear.
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You’ll also need to change positions with the help of a nurse about every 2-4 hours to help keep your skin and blood flow healthy.
Pain relief
Postoperative pain management enables you to do the required physical therapy and to minimize pain and stress. If a general or spinal anesthesia was used, postoperative pain relief may be delivered intravenously. You will be able to control the flow of medication, within preset limits as you feel the need for additional relief. Gradually the pain medication will be reduced and you’ll be given solid food.
Length of stay
Hospital stays after hip fracture surgery generally last less than a week. Afterward, you may continue to meet with a physical therapist. Usually, you’ll be discharged once you meet rehabilitative milestones such as getting in and out of bed unassisted and walking a short distance with your crutches or walker. Depending on the type of fracture, your surgeon may recommend rehabilitative care at one of the Riverside Rehabilitative Centers or the Riverside Rehabilitative Institute.
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