When an elderly person suffers a hip fracture due to a fall, he will usually feel severe pain in the groin region. If it is a complete fracture, he or she will not be able to move the affected limb.
In addition, it should be noted that in some cases an initially incomplete fracture may become complete when the elderly person moves. In addition, in 10% of cases, injuries to the head, elbows or hands are found. Depending on the intensity of the blow, it is possible that there may be a concussion such as loss of consciousness.
In view of this, the relatives or persons in charge of the elderly person should think that there is a possibility of a hip fracture, and should put the patient in a comfortable position and not move him/her, immediately notifying the nearest center so that an ambulance can be sent.
Treatment of hip fractures
Surgery is the basic treatment for this problem. In the case of a femoral neck fracture, the femoral head is removed and then an endoprosthesis is placed.
In the case of patients who are not very old, it is possible to fix the fracture with screws and keep the femoral head. With the endoprosthesis, the patient can begin functional recovery immediately and even walk again in the first week. However, the sooner the patient can mobilize and walk, the better the results will be.
In cases of fractures of the truncal region, the aim of treatment will be to reduce it and fix it with metallic devices, giving great stability to the focus and allowing the patient to stand up and carry as soon as possible. In addition, if patients were in good condition before the fracture, they will recover sooner.
Hospital stay and care
An elderly person who has suffered a hip fracture can stay up to two weeks in the hospital. It is worth mentioning that postoperative care is essential, and the patient’s recovery will depend on it.
Hygiene and changes in posture are important to avoid decubitus ulcers.
The patient will have to do exercises during the time he/she remains bedridden, such as flexion and extension of the ankles, quadriceps concentration….
For these measures to be effective, it is essential that medical, nursing and auxiliary personnel, as well as the patient’s relatives, collaborate, since the latter will be in charge of monitoring the patient once he/she has been transferred home.
For more information, consult a specialist in Traumatology and Orthopedic Surgery and/or Rheumatology.