Fracture of the femoral neck: how to recognize, how to treat and how long it will take to recover

When you need to urgently call an ambulance

Any hip fracture is painful and requires urgent Hip Fracture surgery. Therefore, if you suspect such an injury, dial 103 or 112, or independently take the victim to the Hip Fracture emergency room as soon as possible.

It is possible to assume a fracture of the femoral neck by such Hip Fracture signs. Symptoms and Causes:

Inability to lean on a leg after a fall.
Severe pain in the hip or groin.
Large bruise and swelling in the affected thigh.
Abnormal hip position: The upper leg may appear twisted in or out.
The injured leg looks like it has become shorter.

Only a doctor - a surgeon or a traumatologist can determine exactly which part of the femur is broken, and whether it is broken at all. And often only after the victim has been x-rayed. In some cases, a Hip Fracture is required to clarify the diagnosis. Symptoms and Causes computed (CT) or magnetic resonance (MRI) tomography.

What is a hip fracture

A hip fracture is a fracture of the femur in the area that directly enters the hip joint.

The hip may break in other Hip Fracture. Types areas when dropped or hit. For example, in the intertrochanteric region (in the thickening of the bone at a distance of about 7.5-10 cm from the hip joint) or below, in the so-called subtrochanteric region. However, such injuries are much less common with Femoral Neck Fracture than hip fractures.

Moreover, they are much less dangerous.

Why is a hip fracture dangerous?

This injury can rupture the Hip Fracture. Types of blood vessels that feed the head of the femur that goes into the hip joint. If the blood supply is cut off, bone tissue quickly dies. This means that the hip joint as a whole is destroyed.

But even if the joint can be preserved, a hip fracture often leads to other problems.

Such injuries are painful and take a long time to heal. This limits mobility. Often people, even after undergoing treatment, do not want to get out of bed or move the injured leg, because they fear another attack of pain.

Sedentary or bed rest may cause Hip Fracture. Symptoms and Causes develop complications such as:

infections of the urethra;
bedsores;
increased risk of blood clots in the vessels of the lower extremities or lungs;
congestive pneumonia;
loss of muscle mass, due to which a person weakens even more, and his chances of one day getting to his feet become more and more ghostly.

For these reasons, a hip fracture requires urgent treatment and competent rehabilitation.

How is hip fracture treated?

As we said, only by surgery. They try to carry out the operation as quickly as possible - as a rule, in the first 24 hours of Hip Fracture. Treatments after the diagnosis. The sooner a person receives help, the higher their chances of a full recovery.

The type of surgery depends on where the fracture is and how severe it is.

1. Internal fixation of the femur with screws

In case of a fracture of the femoral neck, internal fixation of the femur with screws

The surgeon will insert metal screws or rods into the femoral neck to hold the bone in the correct position until it heals. This operation is chosen if the injury is small and it is possible to align the neck.

2. Hip replacement surgery

If the bone is severely damaged and cannot be fixed correctly, the surgeon will replace it with a metal prosthesis. This surgery is called partial hip replacement.

For more serious injuries, a complete hip replacement is recommended. According to Hip Fracture. Symptoms and Causes of the American organization Mayo Clinic, this option is preferable to partial. People who have undergone total hip replacement recover more easily and feel better in the future.

What to do after surgery

The main task is to try to stay mobile. Therefore, the next day after the operation, the doctor will suggest Hip Fracture. Treatments to the patient to try to get out of bed and walk with a cane or walker.

Movement is essential to prevent pressure sores, blood clots, pneumonia, and muscle loss.

To reduce the risk of thrombosis, some patients are prescribed blood thinning medications.

And for absolutely everyone, the doctor will prescribe a course of physiotherapy and physiotherapy exercises. Exercises and procedures are selected individually, depending on the patient's age and state of health.

How long will it take to recover from a hip fracture?

It depends on many factors: the severity of the injury, the general state of health, and the type of surgery. And also on how much a person tries to return to his usual life and how diligently he fulfills the doctor's prescriptions.

On average, it takes about three Femoral Neck Fracture months to regain strength and the ability to walk after a hip fracture.

Most people, after undergoing rehabilitation, return to normal life. But there are also those who will need outside help for the rest of their lives.

How to prevent a hip fracture

The older people who suffer from this injury are Hip Fracture. Symptoms and Causes. This is due to the fact that with age, many develop osteoporosis - a condition in which bones lose their strength. Moreover, for women, this process is faster than for men.

But if nothing can be done with age and gender, then other risk factors can still be minimized. Here's what you need to do for this.

Eat well. In particular, make sure that you have enough foods containing calcium and vitamin D in your diet. If in doubt that you are getting enough of these elements, ask your therapist to find the right supplement for you.
Lead an active lifestyle. Bodyweight exercises, such as walking or leisurely jogging, help maintain bone density.
Train your balance. For example, walk on curbs or sometimes stand on one leg. The sense of balance deteriorates with age, so balance is important.
Quit smoking and limit your alcohol intake. These bad habits reduce bone density. In addition, alcohol is still bad for your ability to maintain balance.
Watch your eyesight. Get a check-up with an ophthalmologist every two years, or more often if you have diabetes or an eye condition. Good eyesight can protect you from accidental falls.
Read the instructions for the medicines you are taking. Some medications can cause imbalance. If so, discuss this side effect with your healthcare provider.
Do not rise to your feet too abruptly. Especially from a prone position or after sitting for a long time. Getting up quickly can lead to a drop in blood pressure, dizziness, and loss of balance.
Use a cane or walker if necessary. This recommendation is for older people who find it difficult to maintain stability while walking. It is important for them to find an additional fulcrum for themselves.
Take care of your own safety at home and outdoors. Remove wires, toys, shoes, excess furniture, rugs with raised edges from under your feet - everything that you can accidentally trip over. Try not to leave the house on ice. And in any weather, carefully look under your feet.