Fragility fracture of the hip
নিতম্বের হাড় ভঙ্গুর হয়ে ভেঙে যাওয়া
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.
What is a fragility fracture?
A fragility fracture is a break in a bone that happens after an impact or fall that wouldn't normally be expected to cause a fracture.
You may also hear it called by other names:
- a broken hip
- low-level trauma
- low-energy trauma
- a neck of femur (NoF) fracture
What causes a fragility fracture of the hip?
A fragility fracture of the hip most often happens after a fall from standing height or less.
Some people have conditions that weaken the bones, such as osteoporosis, and for them a fall is more likely to cause a fracture. This can happen because of age or other factors.
Read more: Osteoporosis
How is a fragility fracture of the hip treated?
Most people with a fractured hip need an operation under anaesthetic to repair it. If you need one, it's normally done as soon as possible, in the few days after the injury. A doctor will talk through the different options with you before any operation takes place.
Sometimes the doctor may suggest a different treatment path. This could be because you have no pain or only mild symptoms, or because an operation may not be suitable for you given other health concerns.
Most people with a fractured hip also need extra nutrition to help the body recover from the injury and the operation that follows. You may be offered nutritional drinks to help with energy levels, particularly if you show signs of malnutrition.
Read more: Malnutrition
Delirium
Many people become confused after a hip fracture, or while they are in hospital. This is called delirium. It often starts suddenly and can be frightening, but it usually gets better as the problem causing it improves.
If your memory was already poor before you broke your hip, it may get worse for a while after the operation.
If you are the patient, or a family member or carer, and you notice any change in memory or any confusion, talk to the hospital staff as soon as you can.
Recovery from a fragility fracture of the hip
How long you stay in hospital after a fragility fracture of the hip differs from person to person. It depends on how well you recover. Some people need extra help with physiotherapy and occupational therapy after the operation, and that can make the stay longer.
After the operation you will be given strong painkillers to manage your pain and let you start moving. As you recover, you will be able to reduce them gradually, and your doctor can help you plan how to do that.
What happens after a fragility fracture of the hip?
A broken hip can change your mobility and independence, and sometimes those changes come suddenly. Some people lose confidence, feel anxious or become depressed, and their quality of life can drop.
Once you have broken your hip, your risk of another broken bone and of further falls goes up. Your doctor will talk with you about how to improve your bone health and help prevent more falls.
The operation may leave you uncomfortable, but it's important to get moving as soon after it as you can.
Help and support
If you've been discharged from hospital after a fragility fracture of the hip and you aren't improving, or you've got worse, it's a good idea to talk to your doctor about your symptoms.
With any health condition, it's also important to look after your mental wellbeing, because this can affect your recovery.