Hip | COTG

ORTHOPAEDIC TRAUMA SERVICES

Hip Fractures

Whether you've experienced a hip fracture due to a fall, sports injury, or other trauma, our expert team is here to guide you through your recovery journey. We understand the impact hip injuries can have on your daily life and are committed to helping you regain mobility and improve your quality of life.

Hip Fractures

Causes

The hip joint is a "ball and socket" joint, with the "ball" being the head of the femur and the "socket" being the cup-shaped acetabulum. This joint surface allows for smooth, pain-free movement.

A hip fracture is a break near the hip in the upper part of the femur. The femur has two bony processes - the greater and lesser trochanters. Fractures can occur in different areas of the femur.

Hip fractures typically result from minor trauma in elderly patients with weak bones, or from high-energy trauma or serious injuries in young people. Long-term use of specific medications, like bisphosphonates for osteoporosis, can also increase the risk of hip fractures.

Symptoms

Pain in the groin or outer upper thigh
Swelling and tenderness
Discomfort while rotating the hip
Shortening of the injured leg
Outward or inward turning of the foot and knee of the injured leg

Treatment

Our goal is to provide the best treatment based on the specific type of hip fracture and the patient's individual needs. Treatment options can range from non-surgical approaches, such as immobilisation or traction, to surgical repair, which could include the placement of hardware or hip replacement surgery.

At our Orthopaedic Trauma Group Practice, we provide a patient-centered approach and work with each individual to ensure the best possible outcomes. Our team combines cutting-edge technology with compassionate care to support our patients through their recovery process.

Pelvis Fractures

Causes

Pelvic fracture is a condition that arises due to breakage of the pelvis bones. It may damage internal organs, nerves, and blood vessels associated with the pelvis region.

The common causes responsible for pelvic fractures include:

Sports injuries or trauma
Abrupt muscle contraction
Conditions such as osteoporosis, especially in elderly people
Accidental injury or fall from a great height

Symptoms

The common symptoms associated with pelvic fractures are:

Pain and swelling in the groin or hip region that may worsen with ambulation
Abdominal pain
Bleeding through the urethra or vagina and the rectum
Problems in urination
Unable to stand or walk

Types of Pelvis Fractures

Based on the damage of the pelvis ring and associated structures, pelvic fractures can be categorized as:

Stable pelvic fractures: Have single point breakage in the pelvis ring and broken bones remain in position; shows less bleeding
Unstable pelvic fractures: Have breakage at two or more points, followed by severe bleeding. Unstable pelvic fractures may cause shock, extensive internal bleeding, and damage to the internal organs. It requires immediate medical care followed by long-term physical therapy and rehabilitation.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of pelvic fracture starts with physical examination including checking the functional activity of the various body organs present in the pelvic region. Imaging techniques such as X-rays, CT (Contrast Tomography) and MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) scan may also be used to confirm the exact condition or breakage of the pelvic bones. In some cases, additional contrasting studies using radioactive dye may be recommended to evaluate the structural and functional activity of organs such as the urethra, bladder, and the pelvic blood vessels.

Treatment

Treatment of the pelvic fracture depends upon the severity of the injury and condition of the patient. Minor or stable fractures can be treated with conservative methods such as rest, medications, use of crutches, physical therapy, and if required minor surgery. These methods may take 8–12 months for complete healing.

The treatment of unstable fractures includes management of the bleeding and injuries of the internal organs, blood vessels, and nerves. Surgical intervention may be employed for fixation of the fractured pelvic bones using screws and plates. Pelvic bone fixation provides stability to the pelvic bone and promotes natural healing of the fracture.