What are the symptoms of hip fracture?

Pain is often felt in the hip, groin, upper thigh, or sometimes the knee. Standing, taking a step, or rotating the leg may be very difficult. A person may hold the leg still, and the foot may point outward or the injured leg may look shorter. Bruising is possible but may be absent, particularly with a small or impacted fracture. Inability to bear weight after a fall is a significant warning sign, but a fracture can occur after a lower-impact event when bone is weakened.

Hip pain can have other causes, including avascular necrosis or soft-tissue injury. The symptom pattern cannot establish the diagnosis; an examination and imaging are usually needed.

Treat a suspected hip fracture as an urgent injury. Keep the person still and supported, avoid trying to straighten or test the leg, and do not let them walk. Call emergency services or arrange urgent transport, especially after a fall or in someone with osteoporosis. Do not give food or drink if surgery may be needed, unless emergency clinicians advise otherwise.

Get emergency help immediately for severe hip pain, inability to stand or bear weight, a visibly shortened or rotated leg, heavy bleeding, fainting, confusion, or numbness or coldness in the foot. A fall with new hip pain deserves urgent assessment even if the person can take a few steps.

Where is the fracture and is it stable? What treatment is needed to restore safe movement? When can weight be placed on the leg? How will post-operative rehabilitation and bone health be addressed?