Is hip fracture safe in older adults?

A broken hip can cause severe pain, inability to stand, and loss of independence. Staying in bed can also worsen stiffness, weakness, constipation, pressure injury and breathing problems. Doctors consider the fracture pattern, general health, medicines, cognition and ability to move when planning care. Some people need an operation to stabilise or replace part of the joint, while others need a different approach. Recovery commonly includes pain control, safe transfers, walking practice and support with daily activities.

Treat a suspected hip fracture as urgent: keep the person still and comfortable, avoid trying to straighten the leg or make them walk, and arrange emergency medical assessment. Bring a list of medicines and known health conditions. After treatment, follow weight-bearing instructions, use walking aids correctly, attend rehabilitation, and review nutrition, vision, footwear and home hazards with the care team.

Call emergency services for a fall followed by severe hip or groin pain, inability to stand, a shortened or turned-out leg, or new confusion. During recovery, seek urgent help for chest pain, difficulty breathing, fainting, sudden weakness, uncontrolled pain, a hot or draining wound, or a newly swollen calf.

What type of fracture is present? Is surgery recommended, and what are the alternatives? When can weight-bearing and rehabilitation start, and how will medicines or existing conditions affect the plan?