Most hip fractures occur in the upper portion of the thigh (femur) bone. The extent of the fracture is usually determined by the amount of force involved in the injury. Some hip fractures can heal without extensive treatment, while others require surgery or a hip replacement. Jimmie Kang Law Firm regularly represents clients in California personal injury and nursing home negligence cases who have sustained hip fractures. Our office is familiar with the medical aspects of these cases and have the experience to consistently achieve superior results for our clients.
The hip consists of a ball and socket joint where the upper leg is allowed to rotate and bend from the pelvis. A hip fracture usually involves only the leg portion of the joint and not the acetabulum, or the socket where the hipbone rests.
There are different causes to hip fractures. However, the most common types of fractures happen from falling or by direct impact to the hip. There are specific conditions that can cause a hip fracture including stress injuries, obesity, cancer or osteoporosis. Usually, fractures of the hipbone can be painful where the intense sensation appears in the groin or upper thigh. Commonly, the individual experiences significant discomfort anytime the hip is rotated or flexed. The three basic kinds of hip fractures include:
- Femoral Neck Fracture – A common fracture of the hipbone involves the femoral neck that tends to break it its weakest point usually located two inches or less from the hip joint. Most femoral neck fractures occur as a result of osteoporosis in elderly individuals, especially women. These kinds of fractures typically cause significant complications. This is because the fracture usually restricts blood supply to the femoral head at the point that forms the hip joint.
- Intertrochanteric Hip Fracture – A hip fracture at the intertrochanteric portion of the hipbone is usually an easier procedure for a surgeon to repair. The fracture occurs approximately 4 inches away from the hip joint and does not restrict blood flow to the remaining bone.
- Intracapsular Fracture – This type of serious fracture is usually a break affecting the ball and socket of the hip. Based on its severity, it can be challenging to repair.
If the hip fracture is not easily repaired, or does not heal properly, usually a hip replacement is the only other healing option available.
Factors Which May Put a Person at Risk for a Hip Fracture
There are four specific risk factors involved in a broken or fractured hip. These include age (60 years or older), weight, ethnicity (Caucasians and Asians have a higher potential risk of developing osteoporosis) and gender (women have a greater potential of developing osteoporosis than men).
Individual suffering a hip fracture that also have additional medical issues usually require a more aggressive treatment plan to heal properly. In many incidences, the doctor will prescribe pain drugs in an effort to reduce discomfort. Surgery is often required to treat broken hips. In other scenarios, replacing the hip with an artificial implant is necessary.
In nearly every type of fracture healing, physical therapy is a major component to recovering faster. The patient will need to perform a variety of range of motion exercises to increase movement and flexibility.
Long-Term Prognosis for a Person Recovering from a Fractured Hip
The long-term outlook for any patient suffering of hip fracture is highly dependent on the severity of the injury. However, there are certain problematic issues that can develop when the patient has prolonged immobility during the healing process. It is not uncommon to suffer other conditions directly associated with the inability to move about without assistance. This includes:
- Pressure sores (bedsores; pressure ulcers; decubitus ulcers)
- Blood clots in the lungs or legs
- Life-threatening pneumonia
- Serious UTIs (urinary tract infections)
For the elderly, hip fractures usually produce an unwelcoming prognosis because of the associated risk factors of older people having surgery and the physical demands required to heal completely.
Obtaining Legal Assistance For a Hip Fracture from an California Accident
If you are suffering from a hip fracture caused by the negligent actions of another, you are likely entitled to receive financial compensation for your injuries. Jimmie Kang Law Firm are experienced in California personal injury claims involving neglect and abuse. We accept all hip fracture injury cases on contingency and are only paid once we have recovered financial compensation for you from an out of court settlement or jury award.
We invite you to schedule a no obligation, free consultation with our attorneys. We can ensure you receive adequate treatment, quality rehabilitation and compensation for your medical expenses, pain, suffering and other damages.
Types of Fractures
- Ankle Fractures
- Jaw Fractures
- Pelvic Fractures
- Sternum Fracture
- Clavicle Fracture
- Arm Fractures
- Hip Fractures
- Lumbar & Cervical Fractures
- Skull Fracture
- Leg Fractures
Causes
- Motorcycle Injuries
- Bicycle Injuries
- Pedestrian Injuries
- Car Accidents
- Truck Accidents
- Work Accidents
- Construction Accidents
- Premises Liability
Resources
- Broken Bone Accident FAQs
- Orthopedic Surgery Fractures
- Child Fractures
- Airport Slip & Falls
- Case Valuation
- Injury Information
