What is a hip fracture?

A hip fracture is a break in the femur (thigh bone), near where it connects to the pelvis at the ball-and-socket hip joint. Bone fractures of the hip can occur in the head, neck, or upper shaft of the femur, the body’s largest bone. The break may be non-displaced (the bone is broken but stays in place) or displaced (the bone moves out of place). 

Hip fractures are treated by orthopedic surgeons. At Penn Orthopaedics, our specialists treat all types of hip pain, including hip fractures, and are experts in treating injuries affecting the bones, soft tissues, nerves, muscles, and ligaments. 

Hip fracture symptoms

Hip fracture symptoms can vary depending on the type and extent of the fracture. You may not experience every symptom, which may include: 

  • Inability to move after a fall 
  • Severe hip, groin, or leg pain 
  • Inability to bear weight on the affected leg 
  • Low back pain 
  • The affected leg appears shorter and positioned at an odd angle

What causes a hip fracture?

It usually takes severe trauma to break a hip, but hip fractures can occur for many reasons.

Diagnosing hip fractures

Your care provider may diagnose a hip fracture based on your symptoms, such as an abnormal alignment of the leg and hip. They may order imaging tests to confirm the fracture and identify its location. If you have hip pain but imaging tests don’t show a break, your provider may recommend a bone scan to look for a hairline fracture.

Treating hip fractures

Treating a hip fracture often involves hip surgery followed by physical therapy. While not all hip fractures require surgery, bone fractures that are displaced usually won’t heal properly without it. Treatment options depend on the fracture’s severity and location, your overall health, and age. They may include securing the bone with screws or performing a partial or full hip replacement.

Preventing hip fractures

You can lower your risk of fracturing a hip by following these strategies: 

  • Exercise regularly to maintain muscle strength 
  • Remove obstacles to create a safer home environment 
  • Eat a diet rich in calcium and vitamin D 
  • Avoid smoking and alcohol, as both can weaken bones 
  • Get a bone density test to check for osteoporosis 

Expert care for hip fractures

Penn Orthopaedic surgeons are highly experienced and widely recognized for their expertise in treating hip fractures, including hip replacement surgery, robotic procedures, and hip preservation surgery. We offer a wide range of treatment options for both common and complex cases. 

Our Geriatric Hip Fracture Program provides expedited surgical care for older adults with hip fractures, where timely treatment is crucial. This hip fracture alert protocol quickly assembles a system-wide team of specialists ready to provide treatment. Penn Orthopaedics’ alert system is the only one of its kind in the southeastern Pennsylvania and New Jersey regions. 

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