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- The hip is a ball and socket joint formed with the thighbone or femur. The ball of the femur has a narrow area called the neck, the most common area for fractures. Hip Fractures occur most commonly in elderly individuals after falls. Osteoporosis (bone thinning) in elderly individuals tends to affect the hip, making it weaker and more susceptible to fractures.
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- Hip pain
- Thigh pain
- Pain in hip on weight bearing
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- Pain on internally rotating the hip
- Hip is tender to
pressure
- X-ray shows fracture
- A CT scan, MRI, or bone scan may be
needed to detect hairline
fractures
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- Elderly
- Osteoporosis
- Balance problems
- Use of drugs such as
sedatives
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- For most fractures, hip arthroplasty (replacement of the hip joint will be needed)
- Hairline fractures may not need surgery
- An orthopedic specialist is involved
in all cases
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- Osteoporosis
screening, with bone density testing beginning at 55 to 60 or earlier for those at high risk (thin women or those chronically on corticosteroid medications) is recommended. Preventive treating for osteoporosis
substantially decreases the risk of Hip Fracture.
- Correction and treatment of vision and balance problems. Avoid using too much sedating medication in elderly individuals. A proper home setup is helpful in avoiding injury (e.g., proper lighting, stable walking environments, etc.).
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