Hip Fracture

Diagnosing a Hip Fracture

A broken hip typically results from an injury, trauma, or fall.  For older adults, a broken hip can be life-threatening and needs prompt diagnosis and treatment.

Signs & Symptoms

Symptoms of a hip fracture include:

• An injured leg that turns inward or outward
• Deformity in the injured leg
• Impaired walking
• Pain in the outer thigh or groin
• Redness
• Swelling
• Weakness

Diagnosis

Hip fractures are often diagnosed in the emergency room (ER). Your doctor will review any recent injuries or falls and perform a physical exam. If they suspect a fracture, your doctor may request additional imaging tests, including:

• Computed tomography (CT) scan or X-ray—to confirm hip fracture.
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)—to detect fractures that may not appear on standard X-rays.

Hip Fracture Treatment

Treatment for a hip fracture depends on the type and severity of the break.

Nonsurgical Treatments

When possible, we try to treat hip fractures with nonsurgical treatments, including:

• Activity modification—to limit movement and protect the hip while it heals.
• Pain medication—to reduce pain and inflammation.
• Physical therapy—exercises and assistive devices to strengthen the hip and restore movement.
• R-I-C-E (rest, ice, compression, elevation)—a method to reduce pain and swelling.

Surgical Treatments

A hip fracture that involves a severe break or significant displacement may require surgery. We typically recommend treating most hip fractures in older adults with surgery.