Hip Pinning Operation: What to Know

Hip pinning is a form of hip fracture surgery. The surgeon realigns the broken bone and holds it in position with metal fixation. Depending on the fracture location and stability, this may involve screws, a plate-and-screw arrangement, or an intramedullary nail placed inside the thigh bone. A different operation may be more suitable when the ball of the hip joint cannot be preserved.

The decision considers the fracture pattern, bone quality, general health, mobility before the injury, and the condition of the hip joint. The team will explain the anaesthetic, expected weight-bearing limits, and possible alternatives before surgery.

After surgery, nurses and physiotherapists usually help you sit up, transfer, and begin safe movement. Weight bearing may be allowed fully or restricted for a period, depending on the fixation and the surgeon's instructions. Use the walking aid and movement plan exactly as taught.

Recovery also includes wound care, pain control, exercises, nutrition, and preventing another fall. Post-operative rehabilitation can rebuild strength and confidence, while a falls prevention programme can address footwear, vision, balance, and hazards at home.

Contact the surgical team urgently for increasing wound redness, drainage, fever, sudden worsening pain, a new inability to bear weight, or a leg that becomes newly swollen or painful. Sudden chest pain, severe breathlessness, or fainting requires emergency help.

Ask which fixation was used, how much weight you may put through the leg, how to protect the wound, what exercises are appropriate, and which symptoms should trigger an urgent review.