What are Hip Fractures?

A hip fracture typically occurs just below the femoral head (ball of the hip joint) at the top end of the thigh bone. The most common cause is a simple fall in a person with osteoporosis. In younger patients significant trauma is required to fracture a hip such as a fall from a pushbike or a motor vehicle accident. 

What are the Symptoms?

Pain. A short, externally rotated leg.

What is the Treatment?

Hip fractures usually require surgery. This is still the case even in the very elderly if simply for palliative reasons (pain relief). Depending on the type of fracture, surgery involves either fixing the fracture with screws, plates or nails to preserve the native hip joint or replacing the hip with a half or total hip replacement.