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Hip Fracture Research Paper

Decent Essays

Introduction
A hip fracture is a fracture of the upper part of your thigh bone (femur).
What are the causes?
This condition is caused by a direct blow (trauma) to the side of your hip. This is usually the result of a fall but can occur in other circumstances, such as an automobile accident.
What increases the risk?
You are more likely to develop this condition if:
You have an unsteady walking pattern (gait) and you have conditions that contribute to poor balance, such as Parkinson's disease or dementia.
You have osteopenia and osteoporosis.
You have cancer that spreads to the leg bones.
You have certain metabolic diseases.
What are the signs or symptoms?
Symptoms of this condition include:
Pain over the injured hip.
Inability to put weight …show more content…

MRI and CT scans. Rarely used when the fracture is not visible on an X-ray.
How is this treated?
Treatment for this condition is usually by surgery. This means using a screw, nail, or rod to hold the bones in place.
Follow these instructions at home:
Take all medicines as directed by your health care provider.
Managing pain, stiffness, and swelling
If directed, apply ice to the injured area:
Put ice in a plastic bag.
Place a towel between your skin and the bag.
Leave the ice on for 20 minutes, 2–3 times a day.
Take over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your health care provider.
If you were prescribed a pain medicine, do not drive or use heavy machinery while taking them.
Activity
Avoid physical activity for as long as directed. Ask your health care provider what activities are safe for you.
Do not drive or operate heavy machinery until your health care provider tells you it is safe to do.
General instructions
Do not use any products that contain nicotine or tobacco, such as cigarettes and e-cigarettes. These can delay bone healing. If you need help quitting, ask your health care provider.
Limit alcohol intake to no more than 1 drink a day for non-pregnant women and 2 drinks a day for men. One drink equals 12 oz. of beer, 5 oz. of wine, or 1½ oz. of hard

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