Hip Fractures: Many Regain Mobility

Friday, September 02, 2011

ROCHESTER, Minn. — The fear of fracturing a hip looms large for many older adults — with justification. An estimated 20 percent of older adults who sustain a hip fracture die within a year of injury. Others experience loss of mobility and independence.

The September issue of Mayo Clinic Health Letter covers hip fractures and treatment options, noting that the prognosis isn't always dire. Highlights from the article include:

• Hip fractures typically result from a mild trauma, such as a fall from a standing position. They are a medical emergency. Pain is usually severe, and an ambulance should be called for transport to the emergency department.
• Surgery is almost always the best treatment for hip fracture, and outcomes are better when surgery is done within 24 hours of the injury. There are a range of surgical options, from placement of screws for hairline cracks to full hip replacement. Surgical procedures are generally very effective.
• The primary goal of hip repair surgery is to get patients back on their feet. Most patients are out of bed — with the help of a therapist and supportive equipment — within 24 hours of surgery. Early movement helps reduce the length of hospital stays and the risk of complications such as blood clots and bedsores.
• Hospital stays after hip repair surgery usually last less than a week. Some people go home if help is available. Some transition to an extended-care facility for one to several weeks of rehabilitation.

While hip fractures are worrisome, substantial recovery from hip repair is common. The prognosis is better for those who are in generally good health and are mobile and active prior to the injury.

Mayo Clinic Health Letter is an eight-page monthly newsletter of reliable, accurate and practical information on today's health and medical news. To subscribe, please call 800-333-9037 (toll-free), extension 9771, or visit Mayo Clinic Health Letter Online.

###

About Mayo Clinic

Mayo Clinic is a nonprofit worldwide leader in medical care, research and education for people from all walks of life. For more information, visit MayoClinic.com or MayoClinic.org/news.

Journalists can become a member of the Mayo Clinic News Network for the latest health, science and research news and access to video, audio, text and graphic elements that can be downloaded or embedded.