[1] Hip Fractures Flashcards
What is a hip fracture?
A fracture of the proximal femur
What is considered to be the proximal femur?
5cm or less below the lesser trochanter
Why are hip fractures important in the NHS?
They are the most common reason for admission onto an orthopedic trauma ward
What are the types of hip fracture?
- Intracapsular fracture
- Extracapsular trochanteric fracture
- Extracapsular subtrochanteric fracture
What does an intracapsular fracture involve?
The femoral neck between the edge of femoral head and the insertion of the capsule of the hip joint
Where does the break occur in an intracapsular fracture?
Below the ball, or in the neck of femur
What complication can arise from intracapsular fractures?
They can disrupt the blood supply to the femoral head, leading to avascular necrosis
What proportion of all hip fractures are intracapsular?
Around half
What is an extracapsular trochanteric fracture?
A fracture that is distal to the insertion of the capsule, involving or between trochanters
What is an extracapsular subtrochanteric fracture?
Fractures below, but no more than 5cm below, the lesser trochanter
What does an extracapsular subtrochanteric fracture involve?
The proximal femoral shaft at, or just distal to, the trochanters
What are the risk factors for hip fractures?
- Increasing age
- Osteoporosis
- Osteomalacia
- Falls
What factors might falls be secondary to?
- Lack of core strength
- Instability
- Gait disturbance
- Sensory impairment
In who can hip fractures follow a relatively minor trauma?
- Elderly
- Those with osteoporosis
- Those with metastatic disease
What causes hip fractures in younger patients?
Usually caused by high energy trauma
What are hip fractures in younger patients often associated with?
Other serious injuries