General Procedure Information
Hip Fracture Surgery
Hip fractures are usually injuries requiring timely hospital assessment. Treatment may include fixation, hemiarthroplasty or total hip replacement, but the approach depends on fracture location, health, function and imaging.
What Is It?
Hip-fracture surgery aims to stabilise the fracture or, when appropriate, reconstruct the damaged joint, supporting safe mobility, pain control and reduction of risks from prolonged bed rest. Fracture site and stability influence the choice: some fractures may be treated with screws, plates or an intramedullary nail, while some displaced intracapsular hip fractures may lead to discussion of hemiarthroplasty or total hip replacement. Different fractures do not suit the same operation.
When Might It Be Considered?
These are common assessment considerations only; they do not mean that you are necessarily suitable for surgery or the procedure.
- Hip/groin pain with inability to stand or bear weight after a fall or injury requires urgent medical care
- The hospital team confirms the fracture site/type and the person’s operative risk
- Planning also considers previous mobility, cognitive status, bone health and home support
What Are the Alternatives?
- A small number of situations may be managed without surgery, but a hospital orthopaedic team must judge this according to the fracture and health risks
- Inability to bear weight, obvious deformity or severe pain after a fall should not delay emergency assessment
General Assessment and Procedure Planning
The hospital assesses imaging, pain control, health and anaesthesia, and addresses medicines, clot and infection risks. The choice between hemiarthroplasty and total hip replacement considers fracture pattern, pre-injury walking and daily function, health and personal goals. The operation, timing, admission and discharge plan are coordinated by orthopaedic, anaesthetic, medical/geriatric and rehabilitation teams.
Important
Possible Risks and Limitations
All surgery and invasive procedures carry risks. Your actual risk depends on your condition, the scope of the procedure, health and other factors. Your doctor will discuss this individually during informed consent.
- Risks of surgery, anaesthesia, infection, bleeding, clots and chest/cardiovascular complications
- Failure of fracture or implant healing as expected, joint dislocation, persistent pain and possible further surgery
- Prolonged bed rest, falls and pre-existing illness can affect recovery
General Recovery Approach
Rehabilitation usually starts as early as safely possible, including transfers, walking aids, pain management, leg strength, balance and fall prevention. After discharge, physiotherapy, home support and osteoporosis assessment may be needed.
When Should You Contact the Medical Team Promptly?
- Pain, swelling, redness or warmth becomes suddenly worse after surgery or injury
- Persistent wound bleeding or discharge, marked wound redness or swelling, fever, chills or feeling generally unwell
- New or worsening numbness, weakness, breathing difficulty, chest pain or marked calf pain/swelling
For severe illness, breathing difficulty, chest pain, fainting or inability to travel safely, call 999 or attend an emergency department immediately.
Reference
Would You Like to Discuss Which Treatment Direction May Be Suitable?
Book an orthopaedic assessment to discuss your symptoms, findings, lifestyle needs and treatment goals individually.