Hip Fractures - Dr. Burke Orthopedics

Hip Fractures – Causes, Symptoms, and Advanced Treatment for Recovery

Overview

The hip joint supports nearly every movement you make — from standing and walking to sitting and bending. When a fracture occurs, it can instantly disrupt mobility and independence. A hip fracture is a serious injury that requires timely medical attention, particularly among older adults or individuals with weakened bones.

At Dr. Burke Orthopedics, we provide comprehensive diagnosis and advanced treatment for hip fractures, helping patients throughout Pearland, Houston, Friendswood, and Southeast Texas recover stability, function, and confidence after injury.

What Is a Hip Fracture?

A hip fracture refers to a break in the upper portion of the femur (thighbone), near the hip joint. This area supports body weight and absorbs impact during movement. When the bone breaks, it disrupts the connection between the femoral head (ball) and the acetabulum (socket), making it difficult or impossible to walk.

There are three main types of hip fractures:

Femoral Neck Fracture: Occurs just below the ball of the hip joint; common in older adults with osteoporosis.
Intertrochanteric Fracture: Happens further down between the neck and the shaft of the femur; often results from a fall.
Subtrochanteric Fracture: Below the intertrochanteric region; typically caused by high-impact trauma such as a car accident.

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Fractures can range from hairline cracks to complete breaks and may be displaced (bones shifted out of place) or non-displaced.

Causes and Risk Factors

Hip fractures can result from trauma, weakened bones, or a combination of both.

Common causes include:

Falls: The most frequent cause, especially in older adults. Even a minor fall can fracture a weakened bone.
High-impact accidents: Car crashes or sports injuries can cause severe fractures in younger individuals.
Osteoporosis: Bone-density loss increases fragility, making fractures more likely.
Repetitive stress: Long-term overuse or sudden twisting movements may cause small stress fractures.
Pathologic conditions: Tumors or chronic diseases that weaken bone structure.

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Risk Factors:

Age over 60
Sedentary lifestyle or poor balance
Low calcium or vitamin D intake
Certain medications that weaken bone density
Smoking or excessive alcohol use
Previous fractures or bone disorders

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Symptoms

A hip fracture typically causes immediate and severe pain, but symptoms can vary depending on the type and severity of the break.

Common symptoms include:

Sharp pain in the hip or groin area
Inability to bear weight or walk
Shortening or outward turning of the affected leg
Swelling, bruising, or visible deformity
Pain that worsens with movement
Numbness or tingling if nearby nerves are affected

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In some cases, especially with stress fractures, pain may develop gradually and worsen with activity.

Diagnosis

Accurate diagnosis is essential to determine the type of fracture and guide the appropriate treatment plan.
At Dr. Burke Orthopedics, Dr. Robert L. Burke, board-certified orthopedic surgeon, performs a detailed evaluation that includes:

Physical examination: Assessment of leg alignment, swelling, and range of motion.
X-rays: Identify the location and pattern of the break.
CT scan or MRI: Used when X-rays are inconclusive or to evaluate surrounding soft-tissue and joint involvement.
Bone-density testing: Detects osteoporosis or bone weakness contributing to the fracture.

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This comprehensive approach ensures a precise diagnosis and an individualized treatment plan tailored to each patient’s condition and lifestyle.

Treatment Options at Dr. Burke Orthopedics

The treatment goal is to stabilize the fracture, restore mobility, and prevent complications. The right approach depends on the fracture type, patient’s age, bone quality, and activity level.

Non-Surgical Treatments

Stable fractures: Minor or non-displaced fractures may heal with limited weight-bearing, rest, and physical therapy.
Medication: Pain-relief and anti-inflammatory medications aid in comfort and healing.

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Rehabilitation: Physical Therapy

restores flexibility and strength once bone stability is achieved.

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Surgical Treatments
Most hip fractures require surgery to properly realign and stabilize the bone. Dr. Burke specializes in advanced procedures, including:

Internal Fixation (Pins, Screws, or Plates): Metal hardware secures the bone fragments while they heal.
Hemiarthroplasty (Partial Hip Replacement): Replaces the femoral head when the fracture occurs near the neck of the femur.

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Total Hip Replacement:

Replaces both the ball and socket for severe or degenerative damage.

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Reconstructive Surgery

Repairs complex or multi-fragment fractures using customized techniques.

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Dr. Burke’s approach emphasizes stability, mobility, and long-term joint function.

Recovery and Rehabilitation

Recovery after a hip fracture requires a structured rehabilitation plan that restores movement and prevents complications.

Early Stage (First Few Days):

Hospital or rehabilitation-center care following surgery
Early mobilization under supervision to prevent stiffness and blood clots
Pain and swelling management

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Rehabilitation Phase (Weeks 2–12):

Physical Therapy: Guided exercises to rebuild strength and balance
Gradual weight-bearing as healing progresses
Nutritional guidance to promote bone recovery

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Long-Term Recovery:

Most patients resume daily activities within 3–6 months
Continued exercise and bone-health management prevent re-injury

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At Dr. Burke Orthopedics, rehabilitation is personalized to each patient’s abilities and goals, supporting a confident return to independence.

Complications and Long-Term Outlook

If left untreated or improperly managed, hip fractures can lead to:

Chronic pain or stiffness
Bone misalignment (malunion)
Loss of joint stability
Post-traumatic arthritis
Reduced mobility and muscle weakness

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With proper surgical repair and rehabilitation, the majority of patients regain excellent hip function. Early intervention and adherence to therapy are key factors in achieving full recovery.

Prevention

Reducing the risk of hip fractures involves strengthening bone health and minimizing fall hazards.

Preventive tips:

Maintain a calcium- and vitamin D-rich diet
Perform regular weight-bearing exercise
Address balance problems through therapy or assistive devices
Avoid smoking and limit alcohol consumption
Have bone-density screenings if at risk for osteoporosis

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Preventive care is especially vital for older adults or individuals with prior fractures.

When to Seek Medical Care

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:

Severe hip or groin pain after a fall or trauma
Inability to stand, walk, or bear weight
Swelling or deformity of the leg
Shortened or rotated appearance of the leg
Sudden sharp pain after minor movement in elderly individuals

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Prompt orthopedic evaluation ensures optimal recovery and minimizes complications.

Take the First Step Toward Recovery

A hip fracture can feel life-changing, but with skilled orthopedic care and the right rehabilitation, most patients regain strength, stability, and freedom of movement.

At Dr. Burke Orthopedics, we combine advanced surgical expertise with compassionate support to guide you through every stage of healing.

We proudly serve patients across Pearland, Houston, Friendswood, and Southeast Texas, helping our community move with confidence again.

Call (713) 436-3488 or Request an Appointment Online to schedule a consultation with Dr. Robert L. Burke, board-certified orthopedic surgeon specializing in hip and joint reconstruction.

Medical Disclaimer:

The information provided on this page is for educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment. Do not disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of information you have read here. If you are experiencing severe pain, numbness, or loss of function, please contact a medical professional immediately or visit your nearest emergency center.