Hip Fracture
Over 200,000 older Americans suffer hip fractures annually as a result of falls, and falls are the leading cause of accidental death in men and women over the age of 85. Much of the problem has been ttributed to the progressive weakening of the bones known as osteoporosis. Hip fracture patients were
responsible for 7.3 billion dollars of the health care budget in 1983. It has been estimated that 500,000 hip fractures will occur annually by the year 2000.
The hip fracture is a break in the upper part of the femur (thigh bone) where it joins with the pelvis. Hip fractures result most frequently from falls or motor vehicle accidents. They are commonly seen in the elderly patient. Common symptoms include: pain in the hip while at rest, inability to move the hip joint without pain, and "shortening" of the affected limb. Evaluation will include hip x-rays, which also serve to differentiate this problem from hip dislocation. Hospitalization will be required with surgical intervention to repair the fracture. This will be done by an Orthopaedic Surgeon. Statistics show that 15% of elderly hip fracture patients die within a brief period of time from their injury, almost 30% within one year, mostly from complications (pulmonary embolism), and 30-50% never regain their pre-fracture functioning level.
Hope this article will provide you information about hip fracture.
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