hip fracture

Hip fracture is one of the most common injuries, especially in the elderly, and often occurs due to weakened bones and osteoporosis. In this situation, even a simple fall can lead to a fracture. After menopause in women, due to the decrease in bone density, the possibility of such injuries increases. In some people with very weak bones, a fracture may occur even without a specific impact. In the elderly, factors such as low blood pressure, vision problems, slow reactions, and muscle weakness increase the likelihood of falls and hip injuries. In contrast, in younger people, hip fractures are usually the result of severe accidents, such as car accidents, falls from a height, or blunt force trauma. **Structure of the pelvis** Where the body connects to the beginning of the lower limb is the pelvis. In fact, the pelvis is the lowest part of the body. The pelvic bone is an annular structure that is connected to the spine at the top. Also, the pelvis is connected to the thigh bones at the bottom. The main task of the pelvis is to transfer weight from the trunk to both lower limbs. When sitting on the ground, the force of weight enters the ground directly through the pelvis. What is a hip fracture? Hip fractures can occur after events such as falls from a height, accidents, sports accidents, and accidents at work. However, the majority of hip fractures are caused by less severe blows. Hip fractures in the elderly are usually caused by falls. In elderly people, due to osteoporosis and as a result, weakened bones, the pelvis can easily break with a slight impact. These fractures are one of the important causes of disabilities in old age and their mortality rate is high. In general, the pelvis is one of the most important parts of the human body and is very important in the human structure. That is, they enter the world through their mother's pelvis and die due to a fractured pelvis. In young people, the pelvis does not break easily. Hip fractures in young people are usually caused by more severe blows such as a car accident or a fall from a height. Hip fractures can be divided into three general categories. Pelvic ring fracture, acetabular fracture and fracture around the hip joint. Of course, the fracture of the head of the femur is not one of the above three categories, but it can be considered a part of the hip fractures. Reasons of hip fracture in different ages The reasons for hip fracture at different ages may be different, which we will discuss below: ### Pelvic fracture in elderly people Age is one of the main factors that increase the risk of hip fracture. Hip fracture is more common in people over 65 years old. As we age, bones become weaker and more fragile. Older people are more likely to have movement and balance problems, which can lead to falls and hip fractures. Problems such as Parkinson's disease, stroke, and peripheral neuropathy increase the risk of falling. ### Children's hip fracture Children have very strong bones and rarely have hip fractures. However, very severe injuries such as accidents, falls from a height or violent collisions in sports can cause hip fractures in children. ### Young people's hip fracture In young people, hip fractures usually occur as a result of car accidents, severe falls, or other severe trauma. Hip fracture in an accident is the most common cause in this age group. ### Pelvic fracture in adults In adults, hip fractures can also be caused by various accidents or health problems. Car accidents, falls or even general weakness of the body are the main reasons. Factors such as vitamin D deficiency, high alcohol consumption, poor nutrition and inactivity can weaken bones and increase the risk of hip fractures. Different types of hip fracture Hip fractures occur in different parts of the hip and thigh bone depending on the location of the injury and the severity of the impact. These injuries can include hairline cracks to complete and displaced fractures. Below are the most common types of hip fractures with an explanation of each: ### fracture of femoral neck (femur neck) The most common type of hip fracture is the one that occurs in the neck of the femur, just below the head of the femur. This type of fracture is more common in the elderly, and in severe cases, the head of the femur may also be involved. ### Intertrochanteric fracture (Intertrochanteric) This fracture occurs a little lower than the femoral neck and in the area of the trochanters. It usually responds better to treatment than a femoral neck fracture and is more likely to fuse. ### Fracture of the back of the pelvis In this type of injury, the back part of the pelvis is fractured and is often associated with severe back pain. In severe cases, lumbar vertebrae may also be involved. ### Fractures of the pubic bone (pubic bone) This fracture occurs in the front area of the hip and is usually caused by severe trauma such as a fall or accident. Pain in the groin and inability to stand are common symptoms. ### hip cartilage fracture Sometimes, instead of the bone itself, the cartilages or hip joints are damaged. This type of fracture is less common, but may cause long-term pain and limited range of motion. ### stress fracture of the hip A hairline crack in the bone that is often seen in active people or athletes. This type of fracture is difficult to diagnose and usually occurs due to overuse of the joint. ### acetabular fracture In this type of fracture, the cavity in which the head of the femur is located (acetabulum) is damaged. It is usually associated with hip dislocation and requires immediate treatment. ### fracture of the ilium (bone of the clavicle) This fracture occurs in the upper part of the pelvis and depending on the extent of the injury, it can be stable or unstable. Heavy blows and accidents are the main reasons. ### Fracture of the hip socket (femoral head) In this type, the head of the femur itself is fractured. In severe cases, it may be necessary to replace the head of the bone with a prosthesis or an artificial joint. ### Intertrochanteric fracture This fracture occurs between the neck of the femur and the long part of the femur. Its treatment is usually done with surgery and fixation, and it is very common in the elderly. This division helps to determine the type of injury more accurately and to choose the best treatment method. symptoms of hip fracture In general, hip fracture is caused by a blow and increases its probability. Among the symptoms of hip fracture, the following can be mentioned: - Sensitization to external touch, bruises, swelling and crypts of the pubic bone, pubic bone, thighs and external bone - Hematuria - Bleeding in the anus - Fracture line in rectal examinations - Hematoma above the inguinal ligament, proximal thigh or pelvic floor - Bleeding in the retroperitoneum and the problem of back bruising - Abnormalities and vascular and nerve disorders in one or both legs - Inability to abduct the thigh and pain when moving the thigh, which causes fracture of the acetabulum and problems. Symptoms of urethral injury include prostate protrusion in rectal examination, scrotal hematoma or bleeding in the urethral meatus seen in men. - Vaginal bleeding and fracture line in vaginal examination with two hands, which is observed in women. Diagnosis of hip fracture Hip fracture is usually characterized by sensitivity to the touch of the bones, difficulty in walking or performing other movements, and any functional disorders of the nerves in the lower part of the body. In general, X-rays usually determine the extent of the fracture. In more complex cases, a CT scan may be performed to take better and clearer pictures. Other imaging methods may also be used according to the severity of the fracture. Treatment of hip fracture The treatment of hip fracture depends on the patient's age, general state of health and type of fracture. In most cases, surgery is performed within one to two days after the injury, but some patients are unable to undergo surgery due to certain physical conditions or advanced age. Therefore, the doctor chooses the most appropriate treatment method based on the individual's condition. ### Treatment of hip fracture without surgery In some cases, especially in children or people with mild fractures, non-surgical methods are used. Drug therapy and physical therapy are used to reduce pain and help improve joint function. Sometimes casts or support devices are used to immobilize the pelvis so that the bone has a chance to fuse and settle into a natural position. ### treatment with laser or ultrasonic waves In comminuted or stress fractures that do not require surgery, electrical or ultrasonic stimulation techniques may be used to help the bones heal more quickly. These methods accelerate the healing process by stimulating bone-forming cells. ### Surgery for hip fracture Most hip fractures, especially in the elderly or in displaced fractures, require surgery. During surgery, screws, plates or nails are used to hold the bone in place. In cases where the hip joint is severely damaged, total or partial hip replacement surgery is performed. After surgery, the patient may need to be admitted to a rehabilitation center to continue treatment and gradual movement. ### Use of prosthesis in hip fracture In cases where the joint is severely damaged, a prosthesis is used to replace the damaged part of the hip. This helps the patient to regain mobility and independence in walking. ### Physiotherapy and rehabilitation Physiotherapy is one of the main stages of hip fracture recovery. With the help of specialized exercises, range of motion, flexibility and muscle strength are strengthened. If hip joint replacement has been performed, special exercises are necessary to prevent joint dryness and strengthen muscles. ### Drugs used in hip fracture Analgesics are prescribed to reduce pain and control inflammation. If surgery is performed, antibiotics may be given to prevent infection. Medications such as naproxen and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs help reduce inflammation and pain. Complications of hip fracture Hip fracture can have a serious impact on the quality of life. In many cases, this injury reduces a person's independence and can even affect life expectancy. About half of people who suffer a hip fracture will never be able to fully return to an independent life. When a hip fracture causes long-term limitation of movement, the possibility of various complications increases. These complications can include the following: - Blood clotting in the legs or its movement towards the lungs - Formation of bedsores due to long immobility - Pneumonia, especially in elderly and inactive people - Severe decrease in muscle mass, which increases the risk of falling and re-injury - In severe cases, there is even an increased chance of death —————————————————————– Ways of communication with Dr. Majid Ghorbanzadeh The Instagram page of Dr. Majid Ghorbanzadeh Aparat channel of Dr. Majid Ghorbanzadeh The show channel of Dr. Majid Ghorbanzadeh —————————————————————–