Broken Hip

Overview

A broken hip (also called a hip fracture) is a break in the upper part of your thigh bone, near the hip joint. It usually happens just below the ball of the joint that fits into your pelvis. It is a serious injury that needs hospital care.

It is quite common, especially in older people. In the UK, more than 60,000 hip fractures happen every year.

Anyone can break a hip, but it is most common in older adults, especially women and people with weakened bones.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Severe pain in the hip, groin, or thigh
• Inability to stand, walk, or put any weight on the leg
• Bruising or swelling around the hip
• The leg on the injured side may look shorter or turned outward

Causes

Main causes

• Falling from standing height, a chair, or a bed
• High-energy injuries such as a car crash or a long fall
• A stress fracture – a crack in the bone that gets worse over time
• Sudden twisting or turning, especially when bones are weak

Risk factors

• Age over 65
• Osteoporosis (thinning and weakening of the bones)
• Being female, especially after menopause
• Balance problems or weak leg muscles
• Low body weight or poor nutrition
• Long-term use of medicines that weaken bones, such as corticosteroids
• Smoking or heavy alcohol use
• Other health conditions that affect balance, such as Parkinson’s disease or diabetes

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• If you have any hip pain after a fall, even if you can still walk, get medical help the same day.
• If you have sudden new hip pain and cannot put weight on the leg, see a doctor immediately.

Book a routine appointment if:

• If you have ongoing dull pain in the hip or groin that does not get better after a few days.
• If you feel unsteady on your feet and are concerned about falls, talk to your GP.

Diagnosis

A doctor will examine you, ask about how the injury happened, and gently check how well you can move your leg. They will almost always order an X-ray of your hip.

Tests that may be done

• X-ray of the hip – the main test
• CT or MRI scan if the X-ray does not show a clear break
• Blood tests to check your overall health
• Sometimes a bone density test to check for weak bones

What to expect at your appointment

You will be sent to a hospital emergency department if a broken hip is likely. At the hospital, the doctor will take images, give you pain relief, and decide whether you need surgery. You may be admitted that same day.

Treatment

A broken hip is treated in hospital. Almost everyone with a broken hip has surgery to align or replace the broken bone, followed by a plan to get you moving again as soon as possible.

Self-care at home

• Do not put weight on the leg until your doctor or physiotherapist says you can.
• Use ice packs or pillows as directed to reduce swelling.
• Do not smoke, because smoking slows bone healing.
• Follow breathing exercises your care team gives you to prevent chest infections.

Medical treatments

For pain, you will be given painkillers prescribed by your care team. You may also receive medicines to prevent blood clots and antibiotics around the time of surgery. After healing, some people are offered medicines to strengthen bones. Your doctor will decide which treatments are right for you.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is almost always needed for a broken hip. The operation may involve fixing the broken bone with screws or pins, or replacing part or all of the hip joint. Surgery is usually done within 1–2 days, unless your health needs to be stabilised first.

Living with this condition

After surgery, you will need help with everyday tasks for several weeks or months. You may use a walker or crutches. Your home may need adjustments, such as grab rails and removing trip hazards, to help you recover safely.

Lifestyle tips

• Go to every physiotherapy session and do the exercises you are given.
• Gradually increase how much you walk, as advised by your team.
• Keep your home well lit and free from clutter.
• Use a walking stick or frame when you need it.
• Ask for a home assessment before you leave hospital.

Diet and exercise

Eat a balanced diet with plenty of protein and calcium-rich foods such as milk, yoghurt, and leafy greens. Ask your doctor about vitamin D. Exercise is very important – your physiotherapist will show you gentle movements to strengthen your muscles and improve your balance.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

It is normal to feel frustrated, worried, or sad during recovery. Some people feel low after an operation. Talk to your doctor, nurse, or physiotherapist about how you feel. If you ever have thoughts of harming yourself, get help right away.

Prevention

You cannot always prevent a broken hip, but you can lower your risk by keeping your bones strong and reducing your chance of falling.

Screening programmes

If you are over 50 and have risk factors for weak bones, your doctor may offer a bone density (DEXA) scan. This simple scan can show if you need medicines to strengthen your bones.

Complications

If left untreated

• Long-term inability to walk or stand
• Blood clots in the legs or lungs
• Bedsores from lying down for too long
• Chest infections
• Permanent loss of independence

Long-term outlook

Most people who have surgery for a broken hip recover well. You may lose some function, but with good surgery and active rehabilitation, many people return to their usual activities. Some need extra support at home, but life can still be active and fulfilling.

Find support

International organisations

• International Osteoporosis Foundation ↗

Local organisations

• NHS ↗ · United Kingdom
• Age UK ↗ · United Kingdom

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