Fragility fracture of the hip
নিতম্বের হাড় ভঙ্গুর হয়ে ভেঙে যাওয়া
What is a fragility fracture?
A fragility fracture is a break in the bone caused by a fall or impact that would not usually be strong enough to break a bone. It may also be called a broken hip, low-level trauma, low-energy trauma, or a neck of femur (NoF) fracture.
This information may help if you or someone you care for has been diagnosed with a fragility fracture of the hip. If you are having new or ongoing symptoms, please contact your healthcare professional.
Read about advice on dealing with a hip problem
Common Symptoms
Symptom information is not available for this condition yet.
⚠️ This symptom list is for educational purposes. Having these symptoms does not mean you have this condition. See a doctor for proper diagnosis.
Medicines Commonly Used
⚠️ These medicines are commonly used for confirmed diagnoses of this condition. This is NOT a recommendation or prescription. Treatment must be determined by your doctor.
No medicines have been linked to this condition yet.
Causes
What causes a fragility fracture of the hip?
Most fragility fractures of the hip happen after a fall from standing height or less.
If your bones have become weaker, for example because of osteoporosis, a fall like this is more likely to cause a fracture. This can happen with age or due to other factors.
Read more about osteoporosis
Treatment
How is a fragility fracture of the hip treated?
Most people with a broken hip will need surgery under anaesthetic to fix it. If an operation is needed, it is usually carried out as soon as possible, within a few days of the injury. A healthcare professional will talk you through the different options before any operation takes place.
In some cases, your healthcare professional may suggest a different approach. This could be because you have no pain, only mild symptoms, or because surgery may not be safe for you due to other health concerns.
Most people with a broken hip need extra nutrition to help their body recover from the injury and the operation. You may be offered nutritional drinks to boost your energy levels, especially if you show signs of malnutrition.
Read more about malnutrition
Delirium
It is very common for people to become confused after this injury or while in hospital. This is called delirium. Delirium often starts suddenly and can be frightening, but it usually improves once the underlying cause is treated.
If you already had memory problems before breaking your hip, you may find they get worse for a while after your operation.
If you are a patient, family member or carer and notice any changes in memory or confusion, discuss this with the hospital staff as soon as possible.
Complications
Recovery from a fragility fracture of the hip
It’s normal for the average length of stay in hospital to vary from person to person and depends on how well you recover. Some people need extra help with physiotherapy and occupational therapy after their operation which can make their stay in hospital longer.
After your operation you will be given strong painkillers to manage your pain levels and allow you to start to move. You will be able to gradually reduce these as you recover, your health care professional can help you plan this reduction.
Read more about recovering from a hip fracture
What happens after a fragility fracture of the hip?
Following a fracture, mobility and independence may be affected, in some cases resulting in sudden life changes.
There is potential for loss of confidence, anxiety, depression and reduced quality of life.
Once you have broken your hip, your risk of another broken bone and further falls is increased. Your healthcare professional will discuss how to improve your bone health and help prevent further falls.
You may find it uncomfortable but it is important to be mobile as soon after the operation as possible.
Standards of care
The Scottish Hip Fracture Audit have set standards of care that aim to improve the quality of your care in hospital.
Information on how hospitals are meeting these standards is collected so that they can identify any improvements needed.
Read about how the data is used and published
Help and support
After you have been discharged from hospital if you are not improving, or it’s got worse, it’s a good idea to talk to your GP practice about your symptoms.
When dealing with any health condition it’s important to also look after your mental wellbeing as this can impact your recovery.
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