Hip fracture (broken bone)
About Hip fracture (broken bone)
The femur, or thigh bone, connects to the pelvis at the hip joint. Hip fractures are breaks in the upper part of the femur where it meets the pelvis. 0ver 200,000 hip fractures occur every year, with 50% of those in people age 80 or over. These fractures need to be repaired and carry a high mortality if left untreated. Most are related to osteoporosis and occur after a fall.Symptoms
Hip pain, shortening of the leg, knee pain, inability to walk, pain with standing.Tests & Diagnostics
A history and physical exam will be performed. Generally an X-ray establishes the diagnosis. In equivocal cases a CT scan and/or MRI may be helpful.Common tests: Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), CT Scan, MRI, X-ray.
Prescription medications
Conventional treatment summary
Treatment includes pain medications and surgical repair. Medications to prevent recurrent osteoporotic fractures include calcium, vitamin D and a bisphosphonate medication (such as alendronate or risedronate).Medical specialties
Orthopedic Surgery
This page is educational content, not medical advice. Always consult a qualified clinician for diagnosis and treatment of Hip fracture (broken bone).