Date: 01/14/2024
Name: Zerihun (Zed) Sime
Nurs214: patient education
Hip Fracture
It is the breaking of the femur, the longest bone of the body. Breaking to the head of the femur is
the most common, and then the neck. It is the leading cause of disability in older people that may
change the independence and level of function of the individual. It is also the most common fallrelated hospitalization for older adults.
Pathophysiology
When the bone gets fractured, the internal content of the bone is disrupted and the function of the
particular bone, involved bone, is lost for the individual. So, fructed bone disrupts the periosteum
and blood vessels in the marrow, cortex, and surrounding soft tissues. The injury to blood vessels
causes bleeding to the surrounding soft tissues, forming a clot. This activates an inflammatory
response to adjust the fractured bone tissues. Vascular tissue starts regrowing into the cavity and
marrow area, increasing blood flow that facilitates new bone growth. New bone formed over
healed bone with no scar. The repair process absorbs the callus and remodels the same bone
strength.
Causes

Falls

Osteoporosis

Skeletal disease

Trauma
Risk factors
There are plenty of risks for bone fractures. The following are frequent risks:

Older age

Female gender due to osteoporosis after menopause

Contact sports, the most common for young adult

Poor nutrition like lack of vit D or problems in absorption due to chronic disease

Smoking

Medications that decrease bone density, such as corticosteroids, and that alter cognition
or senses that increase the risk of falls
Signs and Symptoms
This is straightforward based on the risk and causes of the bone fracture.

Pain in the affected hip and leg

Pain or inability to move or bear weight on the affected leg

Medications that decrease bone density or alter cognition or senses

Fall or trauma to the bones.

Displaced extremity

Adduction and internal rotation for head or slight shortening of the extremity as
well as abduction and external rotation for neck femoral fracture

Range of motion, either limited or abnormal

Edema and discoloration of the surrounding tissue

In an open fracture, bone protruding through the skin
How it's diagnosed
Laboratory

CBC with differential,

electrolyte levels,

blood glucose levels, and

drug and alcohol levels that may cause falls or injury.
Imaging

X-rays show the location of the fracture.

Computed tomography scanning (bone) or magnetic resonance imaging shows
abnormalities in complicated or occult fractures.

A bone scan reveals an occult fracture.
Preventions
Prevention is to avoid the above causes and risk factors.

Prevent falls as much as possible at any age.

Regular exercise strengthens the bones and muscles.

Stop smoking and drinking.

Eye check-ups for older adults as it is the leading cause of falls and broken bones.

Eat healthy food and check and take supplements like Vit. D, element Ca, and P.
Treatments
General:

Based on an individual health, cognitive function, and support system the patient may
have, try to maintain the patient's functionality.

No weight bearing on the affected leg until corrected or healed if conservative
management.

Immobilize the site, skin check, and prevent DVT.
Diet:

Eat good sources of vitamins D, A, and C and protein and Ca and P
Activity:

ambulation after repair as early as possible

physiotherapy post-healing
Medications:

Analgesics for pain control

Prophylactic anticoagulation for DVT prevention

Prophylactic antibiotics for the prevention of infection at the site or sepsis

Bisphosphonates to slow bone loss if osteoporosis is present

Supplement calcium and vitamin D
Surgery:

Open reduction and internal fixation

Total hip arthroplasty

Hemiarthroplasty
Source:
https://advisor.lww.com/lna/document.do?bid=4&did=1308945&searchTerm=hip%20fracture&h
its=hip,fractures,fracture,fractured,hips