Hip Fracture Surgery: What to Expect

Hip fracture surgery stabilises or replaces the broken hip so movement and rehabilitation can begin safely.

Depending on the fracture location and the condition of the joint, the surgeon may use screws, a plate, a nail placed inside the bone, or a partial or total joint replacement. The choice also considers general health, mobility before the injury, and the bone pattern seen on imaging.

Stabilising the fracture can reduce movement-related pain, but soreness from the operation is expected at first. Early progress is measured through safer transfers, standing, walking, and participation in therapy rather than immediate normal movement. Pain control, sleep, nutrition, and treatment of other illnesses can affect the pace.

Possible side effects and complications include wound infection, bleeding, blood clots, chest infection, confusion, constipation, urinary problems, joint stiffness, implant problems, or the bone healing poorly. Hospitals use prevention measures and monitoring, while your personal risk depends on health, medicines, mobility, and the fracture.

The operation itself is a one-time treatment, but recovery continues after discharge. Walking support, pain medicines, exercises, and follow-up change as the fracture heals and strength returns. Some people need help with daily tasks for a while, and ongoing fall-prevention work can remain useful after formal rehabilitation ends.

A hip fracture needs prompt medical assessment. The treatment plan balances fracture stability with the person’s ability to stand, walk, and participate in recovery. The team also checks for conditions that can complicate anaesthesia or rehabilitation.

Surgery is considered for many people with a confirmed hip fracture, because stable repair or replacement can allow earlier assisted movement. The orthopaedic team weighs the fracture type, skin and soft-tissue condition, previous mobility, medical history, medicines, and the person’s goals before recommending an approach.

The team confirms the fracture and operative side, reviews medicines, and provides anaesthesia. The surgeon realigns the bone when needed and secures it with the selected fixation, or prepares the joint for replacement. The wound is closed, pain relief is started, and staff assess circulation, movement, and safe mobilisation.

In hospital, rehabilitation usually begins with breathing exercises, circulation movements, transfers, and supported walking. At home or in a rehabilitation setting, therapy builds leg strength, balance, confidence, and independence. The surgeon decides how much weight the repaired hip can take; follow-up imaging or review may guide later activity.

Seek urgent medical advice for sudden breathlessness, chest pain, fainting, a painful swollen calf, heavy wound bleeding, or a new inability to move the leg. Contact the team about fever, increasing wound redness or drainage, worsening pain, or confusion that is new or persistent.

Non-surgical care may be considered only in selected circumstances, such as when an operation would not match a person’s health or goals. It generally involves pain management, positioning, pressure-area care, and supported nursing, with the team explaining expected mobility and comfort outcomes.

Choose a service able to assess hip fractures promptly and coordinate orthopaedics, anaesthesia, nursing, and rehabilitation. Ask what fixation is planned, when weight-bearing may start, how pain and clot prevention will be managed, and what support is available after discharge.