Hip Fracture Surgery

Need Help? Call (719) 632-7669 (719) 632-7669 or Request an appointment

Hip Fracture Surgery in Colorado Springs

A hip fracture can cause sudden pain, difficulty standing or walking, and significant loss of mobility. Prompt evaluation and appropriate treatment are important to help address the fracture and support recovery. Hip fracture surgery in Colorado Springs may be recommended depending on the location and severity of the fracture, the condition of the hip joint, and the patient's overall health and activity needs.

Michael Van Manen, DO, is a board-certified orthopaedic surgeon serving patients in Colorado Springs with experience in fracture care, hip and knee conditions, and joint replacement. He provides individualized evaluation and treatment for patients with orthopaedic injuries, including fractures involving the hip and surrounding structures.

Hip fractures can occur following a fall or other trauma and may be more likely when bones have become weakened. If you or a loved one has hip pain, swelling, tenderness, difficulty bearing weight, or an apparent change in the position of the leg after an injury, timely medical assessment is important. An orthopaedic evaluation can help determine the type of fracture and whether surgical treatment is needed.

What is Hip Fracture Surgery?

Surgical correction of a hip fracture is known as hip fracture surgery.

Hip fractures involve a break that occurs near the hip in the upper part of the femur or thigh bone. The thigh bone has two bony processes on the upper part - the greater and lesser trochanters. The lesser trochanter projects from the base of the femoral neck on the back of the thigh bone. Hip fractures can occur either due to a break in the femoral neck, in the area between the greater and lesser trochanter or below the lesser trochanter.

What is Anatomy of the Hip?

The hip joint is a “ball and socket” joint. The “ball” is the head of the femur or thigh bone, and the “socket” is the cup-shaped acetabulum. The hip joint enables the upper leg to bend and rotate at the pelvis. The joint surface is covered by a smooth articular surface that allows pain-free movement in the joint.

What are the Causes of Hip Fractures?

Hip fractures are most frequently caused after minor trauma in elderly patients with weak bones, and by a high-energy trauma or serious injuries in younger people. Long term use of certain medicines, such as bisphosphonates to treat osteoporosis (a disease causing weak bones) and other bone diseases, increases the risk of hip fractures.

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Hip Fractures?

Signs and symptoms of hip fractures include:

Pain in the groin or outer upper thigh
Swelling and tenderness
Discomfort while rotating the hip
Shortening of the injured leg
Outward or inward turning of the foot and knee of the injured leg

How are Hip Fractures Diagnosed?

Your doctor is able to diagnose a hip fracture based on your symptoms, abnormal posture of your leg and hip, and a thorough physical examination. Your doctor may also order imaging tests, such as X-rays, MRI scan, or bone scan to confirm and view the hip fracture.

What Does Hip Fracture Surgery Involve?

Surgery is employed when a conservative approach such as medications, injections, and physiotherapy fail to provide satisfactory results.

Hip fracture surgery is performed under anesthesia either arthroscopically or through open surgery. Your surgeon will decide which approach is the best for your condition.

In general, an incision is made at the top of your thigh to expose the bones of the hip joint. The fractured or damaged joint is replaced with a prosthesis. The leg is moved to check for a satisfactory range of motion once the prosthesis is placed. The surgical incision is then closed with sutures and dressings to complete the operation.

Different surgical procedures are used for the treatment of hip fractures, and the type of surgery normally depends upon the severity and location of the fracture.

Total Hip Replacement: This is an operation to replace both the natural socket in the hip and femoral head with prostheses. The upper femur and the socket in your pelvic bone are replaced with a prosthetic implant.
Partial Hip Replacement: This is an operation to replace the damaged femoral head with a prosthesis. The traumatically fractured or damaged ball-like head of the thigh bone (the femoral head) is replaced with a prosthetic implant.
Internal Fixation: This is an operation to hold the bone in place while it heals with screws, pins, rods, or plates. Your fracture will be corrected by placing a sliding hip screw into the head of the thighbone (femur), secured to the top of the thigh bone to hold the fracture together.

What Does Postoperative Care for Hip Fracture Surgery Involve?

Instructions for postoperative care include:

Use of assistive devices such as splints and crutches for walking
Keep your leg elevated to decrease swelling
Rest the hip as much as possible
Medications to control pain and swelling
Limited weight-bearing activities
Follow a balanced, varied diet
Physiotherapy to improve flexibility, range of motion, and strengthen muscles
Adhere to follow-up appointments

What are the Risks Associated with Hip Fracture Surgery?

As with any surgery, some of the potential risks associated with hip fracture surgery include:

Improper or non-union of bone
Infection and wound complications
Damage to nerves and blood vessels
Leg-length discrepancy
Fracture
Bleeding
Deep vein thrombosis (blood clot)
Bedsores due to lack of movement post surgery
Muscle atrophy
Deterioration of mental health in old patients
Avascular necrosis

What are the Benefits of Hip Fracture Surgery?

Some of the benefits associated with successful hip surgery include:

Reduced pain
Decreased stiffness
Improved mobility, strength, and coordination
Ability to maintain an active lifestyle

Why Choose Dr. Michael Van Manen, DO for Hip Fracture Surgery in Colorado Springs?

Hip fractures require careful evaluation because treatment depends on the location and pattern of the fracture, the condition of the surrounding bone and joint, and the patient's individual circumstances. Choosing an orthopaedic surgeon experienced in fracture care and hip conditions can help patients understand their treatment options.

Michael Van Manen, DO is a board-certified orthopaedic surgeon serving the Colorado Springs community. His areas of practice include general orthopaedics, fracture care, hip and knee arthritis management, total joint replacement, and revision joint replacement.

Dr. Van Manen provides individualized orthopaedic care based on the patient's injury, imaging findings, overall health, and functional needs. Depending on the type of hip fracture, treatment may involve fracture fixation or, in selected cases, partial or total hip replacement.

Hip Fracture Surgery FAQs

What is a hip fracture?

A hip fracture is a break in the upper portion of the femur, near the hip joint. Hip fractures can occur in different areas, including the femoral neck and regions around the greater and lesser trochanters. The location and pattern of the fracture help determine the most appropriate treatment.

What causes a hip fracture?

Hip fractures can result from falls, motor vehicle accidents, sports injuries, or other trauma. In older adults, weakened bones associated with osteoporosis can make a fracture more likely after a relatively minor fall or injury.

What are the symptoms of a hip fracture?

Common symptoms include significant hip or groin pain, swelling and tenderness, difficulty standing or walking, pain with movement, and an inability to put weight on the affected leg. The injured leg may also appear shortened or positioned differently than the uninjured leg.

When is hip fracture surgery necessary?

Many hip fractures require surgical treatment, particularly when the fracture has displaced or is unlikely to heal properly without stabilization. The specific treatment depends on the fracture's location and severity, bone quality, age, overall health, and other individual factors.

What types of surgery are used to treat hip fractures?

Treatment can include internal fixation, in which screws, plates, rods, or other devices stabilize the fracture. Some fractures may be treated with partial hip replacement, while others may require total hip replacement. Your orthopaedic surgeon will recommend the appropriate procedure based on the specific fracture and patient factors.

How is a hip fracture diagnosed?

Diagnosis typically begins with a medical history and physical examination, followed by imaging. X-rays are commonly used to identify and evaluate hip fractures. Additional imaging, such as an MRI or other study, may be recommended when more information is needed.

How long does recovery from hip fracture surgery take?

Recovery varies depending on the type of fracture, surgical procedure, overall health, bone quality, and rehabilitation progress. Physical therapy may be recommended to help improve strength, flexibility, balance, and mobility. Your surgeon will provide individualized instructions about weight-bearing and activity during recovery.

Will I need physical therapy after hip fracture surgery?

Many patients benefit from rehabilitation following hip fracture surgery. Physical therapy may help restore strength, range of motion, balance, and functional mobility. The timing and type of rehabilitation depend on the surgical procedure and your individual recovery.

What are the potential complications of hip fracture surgery?

Potential complications can include infection, bleeding, blood clots, nerve or blood-vessel injury, fracture, problems with bone healing, leg-length differences, muscle weakness, and other medical or surgical complications. Older adults may also face additional health risks associated with reduced mobility after a hip fracture. Your surgeon can discuss the risks specific to your condition.

Can a hip fracture be treated without surgery?

Treatment depends on the type and stability of the fracture and the patient's overall circumstances. While some fractures or patients may be managed without surgery in selected situations, many hip fractures require surgical treatment to stabilize the injury or replace a damaged portion of the joint.

Is hip replacement used to treat a hip fracture?

Yes. Certain hip fractures, particularly some fractures involving the femoral neck, may be treated with partial or total hip replacement. The decision depends on factors such as the fracture pattern, condition of the hip joint, bone quality, age, health, and functional requirements.

When should I seek treatment for a possible hip fracture?

A suspected hip fracture should be evaluated promptly, particularly after a fall or significant injury when there is severe hip or groin pain or an inability to stand or bear weight. A hip fracture can be a serious injury and requires timely medical assessment.

Schedule a Hip Fracture Evaluation in Colorado Springs

A hip fracture can significantly affect mobility and independence. Early evaluation can help identify the type of fracture and determine whether surgical treatment, fracture fixation, hip replacement, or another approach is appropriate.

Michael Van Manen, DO provides fracture care and hip and knee orthopaedic services in Colorado Springs, Colorado. If you or a family member has sustained a hip injury, contact Colorado Springs Orthopaedic Group to arrange an orthopaedic evaluation and discuss appropriate treatment options.

For patients seeking hip fracture surgery in Colorado Springs, Dr. Van Manen can provide an individualized assessment based on the injury and the patient's specific treatment needs.