Hip Fracture

What is a hip fracture?

A hip fracture is a break in the upper part of the thigh bone (femur) near the hip joint. It’s a serious injury that often happens to older adults, especially those with weak bones due to conditions like osteoporosis. Most hip fractures occur after a fall, but in people with very fragile bones, even small accidents like twisting or stumbling can cause a break.

How Do Hip Fractures Happen?

1. Falls: The most common cause is falling, especially onto the side of the hip. This is more likely in older adults who may have trouble with balance or slower reflexes.
2. Weakened Bones: Conditions like osteoporosis make bones thinner and more fragile, so they can break more easily even from small bumps or movements.
3. Sudden Muscle Pulls: In rare cases, strong muscle movements, like standing up quickly or twisting, can pull hard enough on a weak bone to cause a fracture.
4. Bone Problems: Diseases like cancer or soft bones (osteomalacia) can weaken the bone, making it more likely to break with little or no force.

How Often Do Hip Fractures Happen Again?

After a hip fracture, there’s a high chance of another one happening in the future. About 2–11% of people break their hip again within a year. This is because their bones are still weak, and their risk of falling hasn’t changed much without proper treatment and prevention.

What’s the Outlook After a Hip Fracture?

The recovery after a hip fracture depends on the person’s overall health, age, and how quickly they get treatment. Here’s what to expect:

• Survival Rates: Unfortunately, about 15–30% of people don’t survive the first year after a hip fracture. This is often due to complications like infections or blood clots, especially in those with other health problems.
• Getting Back to Normal: The good news is, about half of people can return to the level of independence they had before the fracture, though some may need extra help or mobility aids like walkers.
• Complications: Issues like infections, blood clots, or weak muscles can slow down recovery.
• Recovery Time: Most people see big improvements in their mobility and strength within 6–12 months, but everyone heals at their own pace.

Rehabilitation and physiotherapy are very important after a hip fracture. A good recovery plan that includes exercises, balance training, and advice on preventing future falls can help you regain strength and stay independent.

Hip Fracture Rehabilitation

Recovering from a hip fracture is about much more than just healing the broken bone. It’s about getting your strength, movement, and independence back. At GM Physiotherapy, we bring expert care to your door, providing personalized, at-home rehabilitation programs designed to help you recover as fully and quickly as possible.

Physiotherapy plays a vital role in your recovery, supported by strong medical evidence. Research shows that starting physiotherapy soon after surgery significantly improves outcomes for people with hip fractures. Here’s why it’s so important:

• Prevents Complications: Without movement, muscles can become weak, and joints can stiffen. Physiotherapy helps prevent these issues and reduces the risk of blood clots and infections.
• Builds Confidence: A hip fracture can leave you feeling anxious about moving or falling again. Guided rehabilitation helps you regain your confidence and feel secure on your feet.
• Supports Bone and Muscle Health: Exercise not only strengthens your muscles but also supports bone healing and overall health.
• Improves Quality of Life: With the right support, you can regain independence and return to the activities you enjoy, improving both your physical and emotional well-being.

Our focus includes:

• Pain Management: We use techniques to reduce pain and swelling, making it easier for you to move comfortably.
• Restoring Mobility and Strength: Through guided exercises, we help you regain the ability to walk and move around, step by step.
• Improving Balance: Falls are a major concern after a hip fracture. Our balance exercises aim to keep you steady on your feet and prevent future injuries.
• Daily Activities: Whether it’s climbing stairs, cooking, or simply walking outside, we help you safely get back to the things that matter to you.