What happens during a broken hip procedure?

The exact method depends mainly on where the bone has broken, whether the pieces have moved, bone strength, and the patient's health and previous level of activity.

A fracture through the neck of the thigh bone may be secured with screws or treated by replacing the femoral head. A break lower down may be held with a screw-and-plate device or a rod placed inside the bone. Imaging shows the fracture shape and displacement, while the clinical assessment identifies anaesthetic and medical needs.

During the operation, the team aligns or removes the damaged bone, positions the chosen implants, checks their placement, and closes the wound. Anaesthesia may involve a spinal technique, general anaesthesia, or a tailored combination with pain relief.

Tell the hospital team when food or drink was last taken, list all medicines and allergies, and mention blood thinners, previous anaesthetic problems, dentures, or implanted devices. Follow fasting and medicine instructions exactly.

Once the team says it is safe, practise getting out of bed and walking with the recommended aid. Take pain relief as directed so breathing and movement exercises remain manageable. Keep the wound clean according to discharge instructions, attend follow-up, and avoid changing weight-bearing limits without clinical advice.

Emergency help is needed for chest pain, marked difficulty breathing, fainting, or coughing blood. Contact the treating service promptly if the wound opens, produces pus, becomes increasingly hot or red, or if fever accompanies worsening hip pain.

Report a newly swollen calf, numb or cold foot, sudden loss of movement, or a fall onto the operated side. These changes warrant assessment rather than waiting for the next routine appointment.

Ask for the name of the planned procedure and implant, the reason for that choice, the anaesthetic options, and the permitted weight-bearing level. Also ask how the wound should be managed, when rehabilitation begins, which medicines continue after discharge, and what symptoms should trigger a call.