A hip fracture is a break in the femur, or thigh bone, at its top. For younger patients, these fractures typically result from high-energy injuries like vehicle accidents, and for elderly patients, falls are the most common cause.
Hip fractures are among the most frequent bone breaks, and among people over 65 who require hip surgery, a broken hip is the most frequent cause.
Most hip fracture patients recover well and resume their routine. By six weeks, the patients are very at ease. An aggressive early return to activity runs the risk of refracture, device failure, or nonunion. Revision surgery is required in these situations.
Have you suffered a hip fracture and looking for the best orthopedic surgeon in Jaipur?
Contact Dr. Dilip Mehta to discuss your treatment options. He is renowned for his expertise in hip fracture surgery in Jaipur. Besides, he also provides comprehensive orthopedic care for various traumatic and sports injuries.
Dr. Dilip Mehta is one of the top orthopedic surgeons in Jaipur for hip surgeries. Within an experience of over 15 years, he has carried out more than 1000 joint replacement surgeries. He received in-depth training and experience in hip and knee replacement surgery in the USA and Germany.
Furthermore, Dr. Dilip Mehta recommends hip surgery only if other treatments have failed and your condition adversely impacts your quality of life.
The person who suffered the injury and their family is worried about the healing process following a hip fracture surgery. They have a few queries, like:
- Is it worthwhile to undergo this major surgery?
- What are the chances of success for recovery?
- Is there a different way to treat an elderly patient's fractured hip?
For answers to all of these questions, continue reading this informative article.
First, let's discuss about,
Treatment for Hip Fracture
Almost everyone who fractures or breaks their hip bone needs surgery to repair the damage. Hip replacement surgery, also referred to as total hip arthroplasty, is a potential option for replacing a worn-out or damaged hip joint. Different treatments depend on the patient's condition and the fractured bone's location.
Families of patients may occasionally opt for nonsurgical procedures rather than these surgeries. However, nonsurgical treatment for hip fractures may be an option for extremely ill or physically weak patients. However, surgery is almost always necessary for femur bone hip fractures.
Optimal Recovery from Hip Fractures
Moving as soon as possible after a hip fracture is the best way to heal. Major complications are possible when one is immobile. Hip surgery can be performed in several ways without any problems. Most importantly, the surgery must be done on time following the injury.
The surgery might be postponed depending on the patient's conditions or medical issues. One such frequent occurrence is a hip fracture in a person taking blood thinner medication. Before performing surgery safely, the blood-thinning effects might need to be reversed.
Recovery from Hip Fracture Surgery
The patient must regain the following to recover completely:
Mobility
All joints must move for them to operate appropriately. Joints and muscles cannot function properly without appropriate movement.
Strength
After breaking one's hip, it is crucial to regain muscle strength. To avoid the possibility of long-term muscle atrophy after surgery, it is critical to get the muscles moving as soon as possible.
Balance
Regaining balance is essential for functional recovery as well as injury prevention. Ambulatory aids like canes and walkers can be helpful. It may take several months for a broken hip to heal fully.
Hip fractures typically heal in 10 to 12 weeks, and it takes much longer to regain muscle strength and mobility. Usually, six months after surgery, the patient can make significant progress toward full recovery.
One shouldn't put off engaging in recovery therapy for months or longer. The probability of regaining function decreases over time. Early in the initial recovery process is when the strongest recovery is made.
A crucial component of your treatment and safety is follow-up care. Make sure to keep all your appointments, and call your doctor if anything seems off. It is also good to keep track of your medications and test results.
When should you seek medical assistance?
Call your doctor, or get medical help immediately if you:
- Feel unconscious.
- Difficulty breathing.
- Experience sudden shortness of breath, chest pain, or blood in the cough.
- Your foot or leg feels cool, pale, or changes color.
- You are unable to feel or move your leg.
- You experience blood clot symptoms, such as:
- Aches and pains in your calf, knee, thigh, or groin.
- Swelling and redness in your groin or leg.
- Your incision comes open and begins to bleed, or the bleeding increases.
- You experience a racing or erratic heartbeat sensation.
- You exhibit infection-related symptoms like:
- Increasing pain, swelling, warmth, or redness.
- Red streaks emanating from the wound.
- Pus draining from the incision.
- High temperature.
Be sure to contact your orthopedic doctor in Jaipur if you notice any changes in your health, if you do not have a bowel movement after taking a laxative, or if you do not improve as quickly as expected.
Hip fractures can be fully recovered from despite severe damage. Due to this, prompt surgery, early rehabilitation, and tolerance for a protracted recovery are imperative. Hopefully, you or a loved one will be able to resume all of your routine activities.