Hip Fracture Surgery in India
Surgical treatment for hip fractures including femoral neck, intertrochanteric, and subtrochanteric fractures
Overview
Symptoms & Indications
This surgery may be recommended if you experience:
Severe hip and groin pain immediately after fall or trauma
Inability to bear weight or stand on the injured leg
Shortened leg with external rotation (foot turned outward)
Visible bruising and swelling around hip and thigh
Extreme pain with any attempted hip or leg movement
Deformity of the hip region with abnormal positioning
Complete loss of hip joint function and mobility
Tenderness when touching the hip area
Inability to lift the leg while lying down (positive heel tap test)
In elderly: confusion or altered mental status due to severe pain and stress
Procedure Details
Duration
1-3 hours depending on fracture type (simple fixation: 45-90 minutes, complex fixation or arthroplasty: 2-3 hours)
Anesthesia
Regional anesthesia (spinal/epidural preferred for elderly) or general anesthesia
Preparation for Surgery
Emergency assessment with trauma protocols and vital signs monitoring. Immediate X-rays (AP pelvis, lateral hip) to confirm fracture location and pattern. CT scan for complex fractures requiring detailed evaluation. Comprehensive medical evaluation including ECG, chest X-ray, blood tests (hemoglobin, electrolytes, kidney/liver function, coagulation profile). Cardiac and pulmonary clearance for elderly patients with comorbidities. Pain management with IV analgesics and nerve blocks. Treatment of anemia with blood transfusion if hemoglobin <10 g/dL. Correction of electrolyte abnormalities and optimization of chronic medical conditions. DVT prophylaxis with compression stockings and blood thinners. NPO status (nothing by mouth) for at least 6-8 hours before surgery. Antibiotic administration 30-60 minutes before incision. Informed consent discussion covering surgical options (ORIF vs hemiarthroplasty vs THA), risks, benefits, and expected outcomes.
Surgical Steps
Regional anesthesia (spinal or epidural) or general anesthesia administered based on patient condition and fracture type
Patient positioned supine on fracture table (for fixation) or lateral decubitus position (for arthroplasty)
Surgical site prepared with antiseptic solution and sterile draping
For ORIF with screws: Closed or open reduction of fracture fragments using image guidance, multiple parallel cannulated screws (typically 3) inserted across femoral neck under fluoroscopy, compression achieved to promote healing
For DHS fixation: Lateral hip incision made, fracture reduced under fluoroscopy, lag screw inserted through lateral cortex into femoral head, side plate attached to femur with multiple screws
For cephalomedullary nailing: Small incision at proximal thigh, guide wire inserted into femoral canal, femoral canal reamed, intramedullary nail inserted, proximal neck screw(s) inserted into femoral head, distal locking screws placed
For hemiarthroplasty/THA: Hip joint approached through posterior or anterolateral incision, femoral head removed, femoral canal prepared and sized, cemented or uncemented femoral stem inserted, bipolar head or total hip components implanted
Final fluoroscopic or X-ray images obtained to confirm proper implant position, screw placement, and fracture reduction
Thorough irrigation and hemostasis achieved
Wound closure in layers with sutures, surgical drain placed if needed, sterile dressing applied
Recovery Timeline
What to expect during your recovery journey
Immediate Post-Surgery
Pain management with IV/oral medications and nerve blocks. DVT prophylaxis with compression devices and blood thinners. Early mobilization starting day 1 post-surgery with physical therapy - sitting up, transferring to chair. Weight-bearing as tolerated for most fixation methods and arthroplasty (immediate full weight-bearing often permitted). Non-weight-bearing or touch-weight-bearing for some unstable fractures or ORIF with screws. Wound care and drain removal (if placed). Monitoring for complications: infection, blood clots, delirium, pressure sores. Occupational therapy for activities of daily living.
Early Mobilization Phase
Continue prescribed pain medications (gradually reducing narcotics). Daily physical therapy exercises focusing on hip range of motion and strengthening. Walking with walker or crutches (weight-bearing per surgeon instructions). Prevention of hip dislocation precautions for arthroplasty patients: avoid hip flexion >90 degrees, avoid crossing legs, avoid internal rotation. Wound monitoring for signs of infection (redness, drainage, fever). Continue DVT prophylaxis. First follow-up appointment with X-rays to assess healing and implant position. Home health services or outpatient physical therapy.
Increasing Independence
Progressive weight-bearing based on fracture healing and stability (most patients progressing to full weight-bearing). Transition from walker to cane or independent walking. Increased physical therapy intensity with strengthening exercises (hip abductors, extensors, flexors). Return to light activities of daily living: bathing, dressing, cooking. Pain significantly decreased. X-rays at 4-6 weeks to confirm early fracture healing (callus formation for fixation, implant stability for arthroplasty). Gradual weaning off walking aids as strength and balance improve.
Return to Independence
Most patients walking independently or with minimal assistance. Full weight-bearing achieved for nearly all fracture types. Continued strengthening exercises and gait training. Return to most daily activities including shopping, light housework, social activities. Driving permitted if right hip (typically 6-8 weeks for arthroplasty, 8-12 weeks for fixation depending on stability). X-rays confirm progressive fracture healing and bone union. Gradual return to pre-fracture activity level depending on age and baseline function.
Restoration of Function
Complete or near-complete fracture healing confirmed by X-rays (solid union for fixation, stable implants for arthroplasty). Return to unrestricted activities for most patients. Continued maintenance exercises to prevent muscle atrophy and maintain hip strength. Full independence in activities of daily living for most patients. Ongoing osteoporosis treatment (calcium, vitamin D, bisphosphonates) to prevent future fractures. Fall prevention strategies and home safety modifications.
Optimization and Prevention
Final functional outcome assessment comparing to pre-fracture status. Most patients achieve good to excellent functional recovery with appropriate rehabilitation. Some elderly patients may not return to complete pre-fracture baseline due to age and comorbidities but achieve acceptable functional independence. Hardware removal generally NOT needed for most hip fracture fixation implants (screws, nails, plates can remain permanently). Focus on secondary fracture prevention: treat osteoporosis, improve nutrition, fall prevention, vision correction, home modifications, balance training.
Tips for Faster Recovery
Follow weight-bearing restrictions precisely - early full weight-bearing may cause fixation failure in unstable fractures
Take calcium (1200-1500mg) and vitamin D (2000 IU) daily to support bone healing and prevent future fractures
Use DVT prophylaxis (blood thinners) exactly as prescribed for 4-6 weeks to prevent life-threatening blood clots
Perform prescribed physical therapy exercises daily to regain hip strength and prevent stiffness
Hip dislocation precautions for arthroplasty patients: avoid bending hip >90°, avoid crossing legs, use elevated toilet seat
Watch for warning signs requiring immediate medical attention: chest pain/shortness of breath (blood clot to lungs), calf pain/swelling (DVT), fever/wound drainage (infection), severe pain/inability to bear weight (fixation failure)
Attend all follow-up appointments with X-rays to monitor fracture healing and detect complications early
Treat osteoporosis aggressively with medications (bisphosphonates, denosumab) to reduce future fracture risk by 50-70%
Implement fall prevention: remove loose rugs, improve lighting, install grab bars in bathroom, use non-slip mats, wear proper footwear
Be patient - elderly patients may require 3-6 months for full recovery, younger patients typically recover faster (6-12 weeks)
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this procedure
Q1.What is the difference between ORIF, hemiarthroplasty, and total hip replacement for hip fractures?
Q2.How urgent is hip fracture surgery? Can it wait?
Q3.What is the cost of hip fracture surgery in Bihar? Is it covered by insurance?
Q4.Can elderly patients (80+ years) safely undergo hip fracture surgery?
Q5.When can I walk and bear weight after hip fracture surgery?
Q6.What are the risks and complications of hip fracture surgery?
Q7.How long is the hospital stay after hip fracture surgery?
Q8.What causes hip fractures and how can they be prevented?
Q9.Will I be able to return to normal activities after hip fracture surgery?
Q10.Is hip fracture surgery covered under government health schemes in Bihar?
Related Procedures
Femur Fracture Fixation in India
Surgical treatment for thigh bone fractures using advanced internal fixation techniques
Total Hip Replacement in India
Complete replacement of damaged hip joint with artificial prosthesis
Pelvic Fracture Fixation Surgery in India
Advanced surgical repair of pelvic bone fractures using internal fixation techniques to restore pelvic ring stability and enable healing
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