Hip Fractures: Symptoms and Treatments in Panama
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A hip fracture is defined as a serious injury to the bones that make up this joint, from the femoral head to the pelvis, due to a strong impact.
It must be treated with greater attention and people must be made aware of its prevention since it can become an injury with complications that can put the patient’s life at risk.
There are several reasons why a hip fracture can happen,especially in elderly patients, with a low level of physical activity, where the bones begin to weaken due to the loss of bone mass due to osteoporosis, making older people the most likely to suffer this type of injury.
Types of hip fracture
The classification of hip fractures is diverse, everything will depend on the area of the injury, the doctor who makes the diagnosis and the risks or difficulty that result from the injury.
To explain it in a simpler way, we can summarize the types of fracture in three main ones, which are:
Femoral neck fracture:
It is the partial or total injury of the area of the femur that connects with the spherical area of the trochanter, it can be compromised with or without displacement of the participating bones.
These femoral neck fractures are more common in car accidents.
Intertrochanteric fracture:
This injury is identified because it occurs in the area furthest from the joint at the level of the femur, it can be said that on these occasions the treatment is simpler.
Subtrochanteric fracture:
This type of fracture occurs in the femur in areas farther from the acetabulum, it is easily identified because it is located at least 5 inches below the lesser trochanter.
Hip fracture symptoms
The pain in the face of an injury of this type is so sharp and intense that the patient will find it difficult to show it, therefore a fracture can be prevented, other symptoms that can help identify the area of the fracture are:
Inability to get up and walk.
Swelling in the hip area.
Bruising in the affected area as a result of blood clots.
Unnatural turn, inward or outward on the side of the injured hip.
The leg of the fractured hip looks shorter than the other.
Severe, crippling pain.
How to make a diagnosis in older adults?
Some cases are so obvious that the doctor identifies the hip fracture by seeing the patient’s physical condition, the review is complemented with some key questions such as whether he has suffered any recent falls.
However, the study should be complemented with imaging tests such as X-rays or MRIs that help the doctor identify the area and complexity of the lesion in order to recommend the most appropriate treatment for the patient.
The causes why it happens
In older adults, the main cause of a hip fracture is falls while standing, it can be due to lack of good vision or neurological complications that allow loss of balance.
The impact, however slight, on a weakened bone structure causes a fracture and consequently severe pain and immobilization of the patient.
The reasons why bones are weakened are varied, starting with a deficit in nutrition, excesses of medications that cause dizziness, among other health disorders.
Hip fracture due to osteoporosis:
This silent disease is the first cause of this injury, through this condition the patient’s bone structure weakens unnoticed, to such an extent that a sudden movement can be the cause of a fracture.
Treatments for hip fracture in older adults:
Each case is special as the doctor must take into consideration the patient’s physical condition, pre-existing conditions, and the level and complication of the fracture in order to offer the safest treatment.
Among the options we find:
Screw Repair:
It is a surgery in which screws are used to fix the bone and keep it fixed while the fracture heals on its own, to carry it out they use a metal plate fixed to the femur.
It is ideal for patients with a zero level of osteoporosis where the ability to regenerate bone is trusted.
Total hip replacement:
A partial or complete prosthesis is used, as the case may be, to replace the areas of the femur and/or acetabulum that perform the function of the joint.
It is an excellent option for repairing the hip fracture and fixing other problems within the joint.
In these cases, the prostheses are attached to the bones with screws or bone glue and the rapid use of the hip is ensured.
In any case, the intervention of a rehabilitation center will also be required to help the patient regain mobility and strength after hip surgery.
Hip Fracture Rehabilitation:
Rehabilitation after a hip fracture is a critical part of the recovery process. Understanding that rehabilitation takes time and patience is essential.
The goals of rehabilitation are to restore mobility, strengthen the affected muscles, restore confidence and independence in everyday life.
The rehabilitation process usually begins soon after surgery or initial treatment. It may involve physical therapy and exercises specifically designed to regain strength and function in the affected hip and leg.
Causes of hip fracture in young people
A hip fracture in children or young people is less common to see, as they are usually people in healthy condition to hold the weight of the body on their bones.
The main cause of this injury is car accidents where the impact is so strong that the hip bone, no matter how strong it is, cannot withstand it.
On the other hand, the bone density of each person can vary, in the case of women who lose it in a greater proportion than men it is more common to find fractures when they pass the age of 40.
Risk Factors for Hip Fractures:
Hip fractures, unfortunately, are more common than we’d like, especially among older adults.
Risk factors include older age, bone weakness due to osteoporosis, lack of physical activity, a family history of hip fractures, and certain medical conditions that weaken bones, such as osteoporosis.
Recognizing these factors can help us take preventive measures and take better care of our health with healthy habits and care with a trusted professional.
Steps to Follow to Provide the Diagnosis:
When someone suffers an injury or fall that could have resulted in a hip fracture, it is crucial to seek medical attention immediately.
Diagnosing a hip fracture involves several steps, starting with a clinical evaluation by a healthcare professional. This may include questions about the injury, a physical exam.
It is then essential that diagnostic imaging tests such as X-rays or an MRI are carried out to check the condition of the bones.
Speed in obtaining an accurate diagnosis is essential to determine the best course of treatment. If a hip fracture is confirmed, we will work together with the medical team to develop a specific care and rehabilitation plan for each patient.
Frequently asked questions
How to mobilize a patient with a hip fracture?
Fractures are a complex issue, any bad movement can worsen the patient’s situation and even put their life at risk as tissues and arteries can rupture.
Considering this, it is good to establish that only experts are the ones who can mobilize a patient with a hip fracture. If you recognize that someone around you is suffering from an injury like this, the most prudent thing to do is to call an ambulance with paramedics who can transfer the patient to a nearby health center.
In the event of a fracture, it is ideal to contact a pre-hospital health care provider and approach the patient to help them remain calm, without moving them. You can set up a conversation where you answer their questions and explain the reason why they should wait for paramedics in this position.
What happens if a hip fracture is not operated on?
When the injury occurs, in general, the femur is left in a situation of external rotation that makes it impossible to restore the normal bone structure, in the same way the leg is shorter than normal, which in the long run, if the fracture is not operated, can result in deformity.
Over time, the affected area will form a junction called pseudoarthrosis, in an unnatural position, which will result in pain for the patient and limitation of movement.
Surgeries are recommended to adequately recover the patient’s quality of life.
Hip fracture care
Recovery from hip surgery is quick. The doctor wants the patient to regain muscle strength as quickly as possible in order to begin rehabilitation and the patient’s mobility.
Depending on the treatment, your trusted surgeon will define the care and specifications that must be met, generally, after a total hip replacement the patient must stand up 48 hours after surgery. On the other hand, in the case of the implementation of screws and plates, the process is different.
The patient must comply with the care established by the doctor and with the movements recommended for rehabilitation. In terms of care, some drugs are generally recommended to prevent infection of the affected area, pain relievers and other options to prevent clots and other complications.
