Common types of hip fractures and what to know

Aging means more wisdom and experience, but it can also mean new health challenges in ensuring maintenance and care on your body. An especially unsettling health issue can be a partial or complete break in a hip bone.

In general older people and those suffering from osteoporosis may be most at risk of breaking a hip at some point, though they can address the issue with a regimen of physical therapy and surgery to help restore their levels of mobility and physical independence.

In fact, surgery may often be likely when a fracture to the hip occurs, whether as a result of a fall or playing a sport, whether it involves a hairline hip fracture or a significantly more severe break.

Fortunately, Dr. Andrachuk offers a wide range of experience in helping patients to treat his disorders and hip fractures.

What are symptoms to be on the lookout for?

• Inflammation and swelling in the impacted area?
• The lack of an ability to walk or run or even stand pain-free
• Leg imbalances
• Varying degrees of pain

Let’s take a look at some of the most common types of hip fractures and what you need to know:

Femoral neck fracture – takes place one to two inches from the hip joint, a very common ailment among many older adults, especially those who may be suffering from osteoporosis.

This fracture can create additional challenges when the break cuts blood supply to the femur.

This type of fracture can represent as many as 45% to 53% of all hip fractures, according to findings from Johns Hopkins Medicine.

Intertrochanteric hip fracture – takes place three to four inches from the hop joint.

The good news is that this type of hip fracture is easier to address than femoral neck fractures as it does not interrupt or interfere with the blood supply to the bone.

While these are the most common categories of hip fractures, another to keep in mind is subtrochanteric fractures, which are proximal femur fractures that may be especially prevalent in energy or young patients.

It is wise to focus on maintaining your overall fitness and quality of health to stay vigilant against such hip fractures; it also helps to see a physician for regular check-ups to keep on guard against such injuries and complications. Partial and total hip replacements may be called for as potential options for addressing the issue; a very common type of surgery for the elderly is a hip replacement, especially if it involves an older fracture.

Are you concerned about pain in your hip and seeking expert advice on the right options for dealing with it?

Speak to our team at Dr. John Andrachuk’s office and visit us online at https://johnandrachukmd.com. Dr. Andrachuk specializes in hip fractures and brings a wide range of experience in treating them.

Our office is dedicated to helping you identify the optimal options for taking ownership of your health and recovery timelines to help you get back to your daily activities pain-free.