How a broken hip is repaired

This form of internal fixation keeps the person's own hip joint. The device is selected to match the location and shape of the break, and it supports the bone while healing takes place.

The surgeon first restores the position of the bone fragments as closely as practical. Screws can secure a fracture near the femoral neck; a larger screw attached to a plate can control some breaks around the upper shaft; and a rod inside the thigh bone can bridge other patterns. Imaging in the operating room guides alignment and implant placement.

Metalwork provides stability but does not replace biological healing. Blood supply, bone quality, smoking, nutrition, infection, and repeated loading beyond the advised limit can influence how the fracture progresses.

Check whether the instruction is full, partial, or no weight through the injured leg, and use the recommended frame or crutches accordingly. A physiotherapist can teach a step pattern that protects the fixation while keeping the rest of the body active.

Use prescribed pain relief, follow wound-care directions, and attend imaging appointments that assess alignment and healing. Eat regular protein-containing meals, avoid smoking, and discuss bone-strength assessment if the break followed a low-impact fall. Do not stop a prescribed blood thinner or start supplements without checking for medicine interactions.

Get urgent help for difficulty breathing, chest pain, collapse, or a cold pale foot. Contact the surgical team rapidly for increasing wound discharge, spreading redness, fever, pain that is intensifying rather than settling, or a new painful swelling in the calf.

A snap or sudden change in hip pain, new leg deformity, loss of the ability to bear the allowed weight, or another fall may signal movement at the fracture or a problem with the metalwork. Stop loading the leg and arrange assessment.

Ask what type of fixation is being used, what the images show about alignment, and how much weight the leg may take. Request clear milestones for wound review, repeat imaging, exercises, work or driving, and find out what would make the team reconsider the treatment plan.