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Patient Information on Hip Nailing

Hip nailing, also referred to as hip pinning, is a surgical procedure done to stabilize a hip joint fracture. Depending on the type and extent of the fracture, a surgeon uses plates and pins or screws to hold the pieces of fractured bone in place.

  1. What Is a Hip Fracture?

    • The hip joint is a ball and socket joint, meaning the head, or ball, of your thigh bone (femur) fits into the socket of your pelvis. This type of joint is highly mobile. When you sustain a break in your femur, either due to bone loss and weakening or direct injury, the pieces of the fractured bone must be held in place with metal hardware so you can begin to put your weight back on the hip joint for standing and walking.

    Preparation for Hip Surgery

    • If you live alone, make sure you arrange for family, friends or paid health providers to assist you in daily living upon your discharge from the hospital. Set up your home so that it will be easy for you to get around. The bed you will sleep in should be low to the ground, and your bed and bathroom facilities should be on the first floor so you do not have to climb stairs. Make sure you eliminate any obstacles as well. You will be asked not to eat or drink anything the day before your surgery, and your surgeon will explain the procedure and ask you to sign a consent form.

    Hip Nailing Procedure

    • You will receive general anesthesia, which will cause you to sleep and not feel any pain during the procedure. After anesthesia, the surgeon will clean the area near your fracture and make an incision. Next he will use an X-ray machine to align the broken pieces of your femur. Finally, the surgeon will apply metal pins or screws and plates to hold the parts of bone together and stabilize your hip joint .

    After Surgery

    • The average hospital stay for hip surgery is three to five days, but your discharge will depend on your ability to walk safely with a walker or crutches and on evidence that you are doing your prescribed exercises correctly. Your doctor will most likely prescribe physical therapy to help with your recovery. Full recovery may take two months to a year, depending on many factors such as your preoperative condition, possible complications or progress in physical therapy.

    Conclusion

    • Hip nailing or pinning is a relatively routine procedure but as with any surgical procedure, there can be risks involved. Make certain you discuss any questions you have with your doctor and be proactive with your recovery by following directions and immediately reporting any problems to your doctor, nurse or physical therapist.

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