Broken hip operations in older adults

The surgeon chooses fixation or joint replacement after reviewing the fracture pattern, bone quality, mobility before the injury, and the person's overall health. The care plan also addresses pain, medicines, hydration, nutrition, confusion risk, and safe mobilisation.

Fixation uses screws, a plate, or a rod to hold the broken parts while they heal. Replacement removes the damaged part of the upper thigh bone and inserts an artificial component; in some cases, the hip socket is replaced too. Anaesthesia and medical teams assess heart, lung, kidney, bleeding, and medicine-related concerns before treatment.

Older adults can lose strength quickly while confined to bed. Staff therefore plan pressure-area care, breathing exercises, clot prevention, and supported standing or walking alongside treatment of the fracture.

Bring an accurate medicine list, including blood thinners, and explain the person's usual walking ability, memory, hearing, and daily support. Glasses, hearing aids, familiar contacts, and a calm routine can help orientation in hospital.

After surgery, follow the team's instructions on how much weight may go through the operated leg. Physiotherapy practises transfers, walking aids, balance, and stairs where relevant. Arrange a clear walking route, suitable seating, help with meals and medicines, and follow-up for bone health and fall prevention.

Call emergency services for sudden chest pain, severe breathlessness, collapse, or new weakness on one side. Seek prompt clinical advice for increasing wound redness, drainage, fever, rapidly worsening pain, a swollen painful calf, new confusion, or a sudden inability to stand after initially progressing.

A new fall, shortening or turning of the operated leg, or intense hip pain after a twist needs urgent assessment. Do not encourage walking until the person has been checked.

Ask which operation is proposed, why it suits this fracture, when weight-bearing can begin, and what walking aid is expected. Clarify how pain and delirium risk will be managed, whether medicines need changing, what help will be needed at home, and who to contact if recovery changes.