A broken hip is a break to the upper region femur (thigh) bone. Hip fractures occur due to a direct blow to the side of the hip. Medical injuries such as osteoporosis, cancer, or stress injuries can weaken the hip so that fractures are more likely to occur. This injury is most typically associated with older people who experience a fall. There are three different types of hip fractures, which are most often repaired with surgery.

Intracapsular Fracture – occurs at the neck and head of the femur bone inside the soft-tissue envelope that contains the fluid that normally surrounds the joint.

Intertrochanteric Fracture – occurs between the neck of the femur and the lesser trochanter (point of muscle attachment on the hip).

Subtrochanteric Fracture – occurs below the lesser trochanter.

Symptoms

• Pain over the outer upper thigh or in the groin
• Discomfort when attempting to move or flex the hip
• Injured leg may seem shorter than the non-injured leg
• External rotation of the leg with the foot and knee pointing out

Treatment

• Surgery with screws, plates, rods
• Total hip replacement