Hip Fracture
A hip fracture can be treated by International Elite Care through expert diagnosis, tailored surgery and a seamless international care pathway.
A hip fracture is a break in the upper, or proximal, part of the femur, around the hip joint. It most often occurs following significant trauma, such as a fall, road traffic accident or sports injury.
In some patients, a hip fracture is linked to reduced bone quality, such as osteoporosis.
This hip condition has a direct impact on mobility, independence and quality of life. Specialist care, most often involving surgery, is required to ensure safe treatment, reduce complications and support good functional recovery.
Broken hip/fracture: diagnosis and imaging
To diagnose a broken hip/fracture, your International Elite Care specialist combines a clinical examination with medical imaging. The appointment can be carried out remotely where appropriate, helping to limit travel.
The surgeon will ask about the circumstances of the accident, such as a fall, impact or road traffic accident, and look for characteristic signs, including severe pain, difficulty moving and an abnormal position of the leg.
To confirm the diagnosis, a hip X-ray is the standard imaging examination. It identifies the precise location of the condition and checks the alignment of the damaged bone.
For example, if the acetabulum is fractured, imaging can identify the affected area of the pelvis and help tailor the treatment accordingly.
In some cases, particularly when an X-ray is inconclusive but pain persists, an MRI scan or CT scan may be prescribed. This approach helps guide the patient towards the most appropriate treatment solution.
Hip fracture symptoms and clinical manifestations
Hip fracture symptoms usually appear immediately after the trauma:
- Severe, sudden pain in the hip, groin or thigh. Discomfort increases when moving or putting weight on the affected leg.
- An inability to stand up or take a few steps. Loss of independence can be significant, regardless of the patient’s age or activity level.
- An abnormal leg position: the affected leg may appear shorter than the other, and the foot is often turned outwards.
- A feeling of swelling around the hip, which may become painful when pressure is applied.
After a fall or trauma resulting in a hip fracture, acute pain is likely to be experienced. It is strongly recommended that you seek medical attention promptly, so that an accurate diagnosis can be made and appropriate treatment arranged. The surgeons at International Elite Care specialise in treating hip fractures and support international patients throughout their recovery.
Hip fracture surgery and treatment
In most cases, hip fracture surgery is required. Depending on the type and severity of the fracture, different procedures may be considered.
Osteosynthesis (fracture fixation)
This procedure is generally considered when the fracture affects the trochanteric region, or when a femoral neck fracture is undisplaced, particularly in a relatively young or active patient with good bone quality.
The procedure stabilises the fractured bone using screws, plates or a metal nail.
The aim is to preserve the natural hip joint. With osteosynthesis, the bone can heal under favourable conditions and pain gradually subsides.
To support good recovery, medical monitoring of the hip fracture and supervised rehabilitation are essential.
Once treated, a hip fracture takes several weeks to heal, depending on the effectiveness of bone consolidation. The timing of a return to activities depends on the patient’s individual circumstances and goals.
Hip replacement (partial or total)
Hip replacement is generally reserved for displaced femoral neck fractures.
- In older patients with comorbidities, a partial replacement is generally preferred, in which only the femoral head (the part that articulates with the hip) is replaced.
- In younger, healthy patients, a total hip replacement is preferred, where both the femoral head and the hip joint are replaced.
Unlike osteosynthesis, hip replacement enables faster restoration of independence. Recovery following a hip fracture is therefore reduced. Weight-bearing on the leg can usually resume shortly after surgery under medical supervision.
It may take several weeks for walking to become fully independent again. A return to sports will depend on the patient’s individual goals.
Hip fracture in old age: a common and treatable condition
Hip fracture in old age is a well-known situation, often caused by an everyday fall. With age, bones become more fragile, which explains why even a moderate impact can result in a fracture.
Hip fracture in elderly patients requires prompt, supervised care, most often involving surgery. This may involve a hip replacement or osteosynthesis, selected according to the patient’s general health and individual needs.
If a hip fracture is suspected, prompt medical assessment is important. Only specialist diagnosis can confirm or rule out the fracture, and the sooner treatment is provided, the sooner the patient can work towards regaining independence and quality of life.
Hip stress fracture symptoms: how does it differ from a conventional fracture?
Unlike a conventional fracture, hip stress fracture symptoms develop gradually and become more pronounced as the condition progresses.
A hip stress fracture is a progressive form of fracture that develops without sudden trauma. It involves a small crack in the bone that develops over time. The cause is a form of overuse: the bone is subjected to repeated stresses that exceed its natural rate of repair.
Excessive physical activity or a sudden increase in exercise can cause this condition to develop over time. It can also occur in people with nutritional deficiencies or fragile bones, particularly as a result of ageing.
Initially, symptoms such as intermittent pain or discomfort when walking can be mistaken for simple muscular pain, sometimes delaying diagnosis. Monitoring clinical signs is therefore important to identify a developing fracture early.
Without appropriate treatment, the fracture can progress to a complete fracture, making the condition more serious and potentially more difficult to treat.
Fracture in the hip: symptoms and signs
Following a fracture in the hip, the symptoms can vary depending on the type and severity of the injury. Sudden severe pain, difficulty standing or walking, and an abnormal position of the affected leg are common indicators.
Typical fractured hip signs and symptoms include intense pain around the hip, groin or thigh, difficulty bearing weight and reduced mobility.
In less acute cases, undiagnosed hip fracture symptoms may initially appear as persistent pain or discomfort during walking, particularly when the fracture has developed progressively.
Any suspected fracture in the hip following trauma or persistent unexplained pain should be assessed by a specialist.
Our answers to your questions about fractured hip
Discover answers to your questions about the management of a fractured hip.
What should you do if you have a hip fracture?
If you experience acute hip pain after a fall or impact, it is important to seek medical advice promptly and avoid putting unnecessary weight on the affected leg. Specialist diagnosis can confirm the fracture and organise appropriate treatment as quickly as possible.
Does a hip fracture always require surgery?
In the vast majority of cases, surgery is recommended because it can provide rapid pain relief and help restore safer mobility. The treatment is always tailored to the type of fracture, the patient’s age and their lifestyle.
Can you return to normal life after a hip fracture?
Yes. In most situations, a full recovery is possible. With modern medical techniques and well-supervised rehabilitation, patients can resume walking, everyday activities and, in many cases, appropriate physical activity.
How long does it take to recover from a hip fracture?
Recovery time varies according to the treatment selected and the patient’s individual profile. Walking can often resume within a few weeks, with mobility improving progressively. Regular medical follow-up helps adapt recovery to the patient’s individual pace.
What are the signs of a fractured hip?
The main signs and symptoms of a fractured hip include sudden, severe pain around the hip, groin or thigh, difficulty standing or walking, an inability to bear weight comfortably and an abnormal position of the affected leg.
What are the symptoms of a hip fracture in older people?
For the elderly, hip fractures can occur following relatively minor falls because bone strength may decrease with age. Hip fracture for elderly patients generally requires prompt specialist assessment and treatment tailored to their overall health and level of independence.
What is the difference between a broken hip and a hip fracture?
A broken hipis another way of referring to a fracture involving the hip region. The term fracture to the hip can similarly describe an injury affecting the upper femur or structures around the hip joint.
What are the symptoms of a hip stress fracture?
Unlike an acute traumatic injury, a stress fracture usually causes gradually increasing pain. Symptoms of a fractured hip conditions may initially be mild and become more noticeable with walking or physical activity.
What happens after hip fracture surgery?
Following hip fracture surgery, patients are monitored medically and undergo supervised rehabilitation. Weight-bearing and walking can often resume relatively soon after the procedure, depending on the treatment and the patient’s individual situation.
How common are hip fractures in older people?
Hip fractures are a recognised condition in older people and are frequently associated with falls and reduced bone strength. Prompt specialist care is important to support recovery and help restore independence.
Surgeon performing the procedure
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