What is a hip fracture?
Hip fractures are common in the older population, but can also occur in younger patients with traumatic injuries. The most common types of hip fractures fall into the categories of femoral neck fractures and intertrochanteric hip fractures. Another type of hip fracture, called a stress fracture, can also occur with overuse and repetitive motion.
What kind of surgeries are performed for hip fractures?
Hip fractures typically require urgent surgical intervention. Having surgery right away may help shorten your stay in the hospital and reduce pain and complications. The type of surgery depends on the severity of the fracture and its location. In general, there are two main types of surgery for hip fractures. These include:
- Hip repair surgery
- Also called internal fixation or "hip pinning." The doctor uses metal screws, rods, or plates to hold the bone together while it heals. This surgery is usually chosen if the bones can be lined up properly.
- Hip replacement surgery
- Involves replacing part or all of the joint with artificial parts. In a partial hip replacement, the doctor replaces the broken upper part of the thighbone. In a total hip replacement, both the hip socket and the top of the thigh bone are replaced. Total hip replacement is often done when the fractured bones can't be properly lined up.
- Your doctor might recommend partial or total hip replacement if the blood supply to the ball part of your hip joint was damaged during the fracture. That type of injury, which occurs most often in older people with femoral neck fractures, means the bone is less likely to heal properly.
