How to recover from a broken hip?

Fractures and broken hips are among the most common injuries in the elderly but can appear at all ages. Hip fractures can differ by the location and severity of the fracture or break. There are few parts of the hip, mainly the pelvis, the pelvic bone and the femur. The fracture can happen in any one of these.

Fractures in the neck of the femur can be serious because of the potential to make circulation in this part more difficult while fractures of the pelvis can be less painful and serious and often appear in younger patients. These two fractures are most common and can be painful and can make one unable to stand or walk, they can create bruising and swelling.

A fracture of the hip as a problem and condition is more often found in the elder population. Osteoporosis is a condition which makes the bones fragile with time and is responsible for roughly 80% of bone fractures in the elderly. Bad balance, weak bones and the progressive losing of muscle mass make falling risky and dangerous for older adults.

Diagnosis and treatment

Diagnosing a hip fracture requires a physical examination by a doctor and can include an x- ray. A quick reaction and intervention are positive signs for the prognosis and increase the chances of a successful and fast recovery without complications.

Often surgical intervention is needed and specific elements of it will depend on the specific elements of the fracture, its location and the general health of the patient.

In the case of such injury and the appearance of symptoms such as hip pain, inability to stand or walk, bruising and swelling in the region and alike, it is necessary to find medial assistance as soon as possible and carefully follow the instructions of the experts to allow for the best and most efficient recovery.

Recovery

Proper rehabilitation and recovery from an injury like this as well as the procedure that possibly comes with it is essential and can lead to shorter stays in hospitals, better clinical outcomes, better physical functioning and maintaining independence in everyday life.

Important factors which can determine the most effective method of rehabilitation are type of fracture, the localization of other injuries and type of intervention or treatment.

The goal of these rehabilitation methods is to allow for the reestablishing of mobility and strength in the affected leg and hip, this process can take some time but is key for making a complete recovery.

Early mobility can be good for postoperative rehabilitation, independently getting up and sitting down, walking with assistance, getting in and out of bed.

Research has shown that early mobility with assistance (48 hours after the operation) often shows positive results and hastens the recovery process.

Physical therapy and physical exercise in the acute phase of care can significantly contribute to a faster and more successful recovery, some studies suggest. Intense physical therapy programs have also shown themselves to be more efficient than less intense and delayed ones, with patients that this is safe and doable with. The goal of physical therapy is to, through exercise, increase strength and return control to the affected region, mainly the gluteal muscles and the quadriceps. Physical therapy and the specific exercises and intensity at which they should be performed will in large part depend on the specific situation and require following advice given by the surgeon, physiatrist, or orthopedist.

After being released from the hospital it is necessary to follow the instructions which are in the function of further strengthening and allowing for mobility of the joints without risking injury or making recovery more difficult. This usually means exercise programs and avoiding certain activities like carrying or lifting hard items, jumping, bending over or sitting for a long time.

Changes in diet can also have effects in the case of bone fractures, you can read more about this here "What to eat after breaking bones?".

It is important to take these injuries seriously and carefully follow the rehabilitation process and instructions that the experts give. These injuries can seriously affect the life of the patient and adequate recovery can significantly help with faster overcoming these problems and preventing them happening again.

*This text is intended for informational purposes only. If you experience any symptoms, it is recommended that you seek advice from your doctor or a qualified healthcare professional.*

*Image taken from : https://unsplash.com/photos/woman-in-black-t-shirt-and-black-pants-lying-on-black-yoga-mat-qa1wvrlWCio*

Hip fracture - Diagnosis & treatment - Mayo Clinic. (2022, May 5). Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hip-fracture/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20373472

Lee, K., Um, S., & Kim, Y. (2020). Postoperative Rehabilitation after Hip Fracture: A Literature Review. Hip & Pelvis, 32(3), 125–131. https://doi.org/10.5371/hp.2020.32.3.125

Zhang, X., Butts, W. J., & You, T. (2021). Exercise interventions, physical function, and mobility after hip fracture: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Disability and Rehabilitation, 44(18), 4986–4996. https://doi.org/10.1080/09638288.2021.1924299