Hip Fracture Flashcards
what is the definition of hip fracture?
fracture of the femur distal to the femoral head and proximal to a level a few cms below the less trochanter
what is the hip joint?
it is a multi-axial ball and socket joint between the femoral head and acetabulum
where do muscles attach?
the greater and lesser trochanter
how is stability achieved?
muscles and ligaments
how is hip fracture classified?
intra (within capusle and at neck of femur level) and extra (outside capsule and below neck of femur) capsular
what are the subdivisions of extracapsular fractures?
intertrochanteric or subtrochanteric
what is the injury mechanism of a hip fracture?
fall onto lateral hip directly or a twisting movement
what are the risk factors?
osteoporosis/penis, falls, age, low BMI, female and high energy trauma
what is an associates useful test and why?
ECG - did an MI lead to a fall?
what are the routes of treatment?
pain management, hydration via IV fluids if large bleed, treat medical problems and surgery within 36 hours
what surgical procedures can be carried out?
non operative management is ideal but if there is surgery then a half or full joint replacement, internal fixation or arthroplasty
what are some complications?
short term there is a risk of thromboembolic complications and long term there may be avascular necrosis, non-union or failure of fixation
what is included in a falls assessment?
history, cognitive and physical examination, MDT assessment, possible interventions
what is the main characteristic of osteoporosis?
low bone mass
