Experienced New York hip surgeons explain what you need to know
Hip fractures (in which the hip bone is broken) are especially common among older adults, according to several recent studies. Worst of all, a hip fracture can result in a higher mortality rate among certain older adults, including adults living in long-term nursing home facilities, according to recent studies.
That’s why it’s important for adults to understand the common causes of hip fractures, the warning signs of common hip injuries and how to effectively treat them. This information has been compiled below by our board-certified, fellowship-trained New York orthopedic hip surgeons at Island Musculoskeletal Care (IMC Bone Doc).
How common are hip fracture among older adults?
Hip fractures are among the most common – and most serious – injuries sustained by adults over 65 years old, according to statistics compiled by the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC). Specifically, each year:
- More than 300,000 older adults over 65 years old are hospitalized for hip fractures.
- Women sustain roughly 75 percent of all hip fractures.
What many people might not realize is that hip fractures among older adults living in nursing homes can increase the likelihood of dying within one year of sustaining a hip fracture. According to a study conducted by Harvard Medical School, the one-year mortality rate for long-term nursing home residents (people who have lived in a nursing home for at least 100 days) was 42 percent from 2007-2014.
What are common causes of hip fractures?
Hip fractures occur for many different reasons. Some of the most common causes include:
- Ninety-five percent of hip fractures occur due to falling, according to the CDC.
- Osteoporosis (a disease which can weaken the bones) is a common cause of hip fractures, particularly among women over 65 years old.
- Slipping and falling
- Tripping and falling
Whatever the cause of your hip fracture, it’s important to have an experienced orthopedic hip surgeon examine you to determine the best possible treatment for your hip injury.
What are common warning signs of a hip fracture?
There are many warning signs that you may have fractured your hip. Some of the most common symptoms of a hip fracture include:
- Severe hip pain
- Difficulty standing up
- Swelling and bruising around the hip area
- Difficulty putting weight on one leg when walking
- One leg being slightly longer than the other
If something feels wrong, seek immediate medical treatment. Have an experienced hip surgeon examine you and diagnose exactly what’s wrong. Otherwise, other medical issues (including infections or additional bone fractures) could occur without receiving the proper medical care.
How do I know if I need hip surgery for my hip fracture?
The only way to know if your hip is fractured and whether you need hip surgery is to have a highly-skilled orthopedic hip surgeon examine you as soon as possible. One of our board-certified New York orthopedic hip surgeons at IMC Bone Doc can examine you, run the necessary tests and explain your different treatment options. Schedule an appointment today at one of our seven New York locations.
