Diagnosis of a Hip Fracture

Hip fractures are a medical emergency that is most common to people over the age of 65.
According to studies done by the Mayo Clinic, over one-third of senior citizens fall and close to 2 million elderly people fracture their hip each year. Hip fractures can be life threatening in older people and it will take time and patience to properly heal. Therapy after hip surgery is an important part of recovery. There are several lifestyle changes and eating habits that may reduce the risk of a hip fracture.

Facts

• A hip fracture is most commonly seen in senior citizens, but they can occur at any age. In older people, the bones lose their minerals and may become less dense. The bones become weaker with age, which puts older people at a higher risk for a hip fracture. Women lose bone density at a higher rate as they age and ultimately suffer more from a hip fracture than men. A hip fracture is considered a serious injury, but surgery is usually very effective.

Types

• A physician can pinpoint the placement of a fractured hip through symptoms and by observing the leg's and hip's position. Types of hip fractures are determined through an X-ray, which will show if the hip is fractured and what part of it is fractured. There are two parts to the hip. The femoral neck is the ball part of the ball-and-socket joint that's located in the upper part of the femur. The intertrochanteric is another type of hip fracture and is the portion of the upper hip that comes outward.

Identification

• A hip fracture in older adults may be caused by a fall or weak bones. In younger adults, a sports injury, car accident or a traumatic event are the leading causes of a hip fracture. The symptoms of a hip fracture may include extreme pain in the hip of groin. The inability to stand or put weight on the injured side of the hip is a sure sign. The hip may appear to be busied, stiff or swollen. The injured side of the leg may appear to be shorter.

Prevention /Solutions

• There are several ways to help reduce the risk of a hip fracture. It is important to know your bone density. Calcium and vitamin D are great ways to higher your bone mass. Calcium also helps prevent bone loss, while vitamin D helps to adsorb calcium. Exercises such as walking are a great way to strengthen your bones and increase bone density. It is also important to avoid drinking and smoking to preserve bone density.

Consideration

• There are certain factors that may increase the risk of a hip fracture. People over the age of 65 are at an increased risk because bone density decreases with age. According to the Mayo Clinic, over 80 percent of hip fractures occur in women. People with osteoporosis are at a higher risk because the bones may become weaker and are not able to store as much calcium. There are other medical conditions that affect the bones and may create a higher risk of bone fractures such as hyperthyroidism, gastrointestinal disorders, rheumatoid disorders and hypogonadism.