Journal of Bone Research
Open Access

Hip Fractures Top Journals

Hip fractures represent an important health-care dilemma, costing the US$ billions annually. Hip fractures can diminish quality of life and significantly increase morbidity and mortality if not properly treated. Recent research has brought forth new information regarding treatment as well as information on emerging complications seen within the fixation constructs themselves. A hip fracture can cause life-threatening complications. People over the age 65 are most at risk because bones weaken and the risk of falling increases with age. Symptoms include the inability to move after a fall and severe hip or groin pain. A hip fracture almost always requires surgery and physiotherapy. Taking steps to maintain bone density and avoid falls can help prevent hip fracture. A broken hip may also be allowed to heal without surgery. In some cases, if the hip is fractured, it may not need to be treated with surgery. For example, if the ends of the broken bone are impacted, or were pushed together due to extreme force from an accident of fall, the bone can heal naturally. Full healing of a broken hip can take many months. Most fractures take 10-12 weeks for healing, and the muscle strength and mobility can take much longer. Typically, people get close to their full recovery within 6 months of the injury, but it can take up to a full year to achieve as much improvement as possible.