Hip Fracture Surgery

Hip Fracture Surgery in Flint & Fenton, MI

What is Hip Fracture Surgery?

Surgical correction of a hip fracture is known as hip fracture surgery.

Hip fractures involve a break that occurs near the hip in the upper part of the femur or thigh bone. The thigh bone has two bony processes on the upper part - the greater and lesser trochanters. The lesser trochanter projects from the base of the femoral neck on the back of the thigh bone. Hip fractures can occur either due to a break in the femoral neck, in the area between the greater and lesser trochanter or below the lesser trochanter.

What is Anatomy of the Hip?

The hip joint is a “ball and socket” joint.  The “ball” is the head of the femur or thigh bone, and the “socket” is the cup-shaped acetabulum. The hip joint enables the upper leg to bend and rotate at the pelvis. The joint surface is covered by a smooth articular surface that allows pain-free movement in the joint.

What are the Causes of Hip Fractures?

Hip fractures are most frequently caused after minor trauma in elderly patients with weak bones, and by a high-energy trauma or serious injuries in younger people. Long term use of certain medicines, such as bisphosphonates to treat osteoporosis (a disease causing weak bones) and other bone diseases, increases the risk of hip fractures.

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Hip Fractures?

Signs and symptoms of hip fractures include:

• Pain in the groin or outer upper thigh
• Swelling and tenderness
• Discomfort while rotating the hip
• Shortening of the injured leg 
• Outward or inward turning of the foot and knee of the injured leg

How are Hip Fractures Diagnosed?

Your doctor is able to diagnose a hip fracture based on your symptoms, abnormal posture of your leg and hip, and a thorough physical examination. Your doctor may also order imaging tests, such as X-rays, MRI scan, or bone scan to confirm and view the hip fracture.

What Does Hip Fracture Surgery Involve?

Surgery is employed when a conservative approach such as medications, injections, and physiotherapy fail to provide satisfactory results.

Hip fracture surgery is performed under anesthesia either arthroscopically or through open surgery. Your surgeon will decide which approach is the best for your condition.

In general, an incision is made at the top of your thigh to expose the bones of the hip joint. The fractured or damaged joint is replaced with a prosthesis. The leg is moved to check for a satisfactory range of motion once the prosthesis is placed. The surgical incision is then closed with sutures and dressings to complete the operation.

Different surgical procedures are used for the treatment of hip fractures, and the type of surgery normally depends upon the severity and location of the fracture.

• Total Hip Replacement: This is an operation to replace both the natural socket in the hip and femoral head with prostheses. The upper femur and the socket in your pelvic bone are replaced with a prosthetic implant. 
• Partial Hip Replacement: This is an operation to replace the damaged femoral head with a prosthesis. The traumatically fractured or damaged ball-like head of the thigh bone (the femoral head) is replaced with a prosthetic implant.
• Internal Fixation: This is an operation to hold the bone in place while it heals with screws, pins, rods, or plates. Your fracture will be corrected by placing a sliding hip screw into the head of the thighbone (femur), secured to the top of the thigh bone to hold the fracture together.

What Does Postoperative Care for Hip Fracture Surgery Involve?

Instructions for postoperative care include:

• Use of assistive devices such as splints and crutches for walking
• Keep your leg elevated to decrease swelling
• Rest the hip as much as possible 
• Medications to control pain and swelling
• Limited weight-bearing activities
• Follow a balanced, varied diet
• Physiotherapy to improve flexibility, range of motion, and strengthen muscles
• Adhere to follow-up appointments

What are the Risks Associated with Hip Fracture Surgery?

As with any surgery, some of the potential risks associated with hip fracture surgery include:

• Improper or non-union of bone
• Infection and wound complications
• Damage to nerves and blood vessels
• Leg-length discrepancy
• Fracture
• Bleeding
• Deep vein thrombosis (blood clot)
• Bedsores due to lack of movement post surgery
• Muscle atrophy
• Deterioration of mental health in old patients
• Avascular necrosis

What are the Benefits of Hip Fracture Surgery?

Some of the benefits associated with successful hip surgery include:

• Reduced pain
• Decreased stiffness
• Improved mobility, strength, and coordination
• Ability to maintain an active lifestyle

 

Why Choose Dr. Willson for Hip Fracture Surgery in Flint and Fenton, MI?

Hip fractures often require timely surgical intervention and specialized orthopedic expertise. Dr. Seann E. Willson provides comprehensive care for patients with hip fractures, from diagnosis and treatment planning through recovery and rehabilitation.

Fellowship-Trained Hip Reconstruction Specialist

Dr. Willson has advanced fellowship training in adult hip and knee reconstruction, providing specialized expertise in treating complex hip conditions, including traumatic fractures and fracture-related joint damage.

Personalized Treatment for Every Patient

No two hip fractures are exactly alike. Dr. Willson carefully evaluates the location, severity, and stability of the fracture along with each patient's age, activity level, bone quality, and overall health to determine the most appropriate treatment approach.

Comprehensive Surgical Options

Depending on the nature of the injury, treatment may involve internal fixation, partial hip replacement, or total hip replacement. Dr. Willson develops individualized treatment plans designed to restore stability and function while minimizing complications.

Focus on Recovery and Mobility

The goal of hip fracture treatment is to help patients regain mobility, maintain independence, and return to daily activities safely. Dr. Willson works closely with rehabilitation specialists and physical therapists to support a successful recovery.

Convenient Care Close to Home

Patients throughout Flint, Fenton and surrounding Mid-Michigan communities have access to expert orthopedic care in convenient locations.

Hip Fracture Surgery FAQs

What is a hip fracture?

A hip fracture is a break in the upper portion of the femur (thigh bone) near the hip joint. Fractures may occur in the femoral neck, intertrochanteric region, or subtrochanteric area of the femur.

What causes hip fractures?

Hip fractures commonly occur after falls in older adults with osteoporosis or weakened bones. They may also result from high-energy trauma, sports injuries, or motor vehicle accidents.

What are the symptoms of a hip fracture?

Symptoms may include severe hip or groin pain, inability to bear weight, swelling, bruising, shortening of the affected leg, and abnormal positioning of the foot or leg.

How are hip fractures diagnosed?

Diagnosis typically includes a physical examination and imaging studies such as X-rays, MRI scans, or CT scans to determine the location and severity of the fracture.

Do all hip fractures require surgery?

Not all hip fractures require surgery, but many do. Treatment recommendations depend on the type of fracture, the degree of displacement, bone quality, and the patient's overall health and activity level.

What types of surgery are used to treat hip fractures?

Treatment options may include internal fixation using screws, rods, or plates; partial hip replacement; or total hip replacement, depending on the fracture pattern and patient-specific factors.

How long does recovery take after hip fracture surgery?

Recovery timelines vary based on the severity of the fracture, surgical procedure performed, overall health, and participation in rehabilitation. Many patients require physical therapy as part of the recovery process.

Will I need physical therapy after surgery?

Yes. Physical therapy is often an important part of recovery and helps improve strength, balance, flexibility, mobility, and overall function following hip fracture surgery.

What are the risks of hip fracture surgery?

Potential risks include infection, blood clots, nerve or blood vessel injury, implant complications, delayed healing, fracture nonunion, leg-length differences, and stiffness. Dr. Willson will discuss the risks and benefits of treatment during your consultation.

Can hip fracture surgery help me return to normal activities?

The goal of surgery is to reduce pain, restore mobility, and help patients return to daily activities. Recovery outcomes vary based on age, overall health, fracture severity, and rehabilitation progress.

Schedule a Hip Fracture Evaluation in Flint or Fenton, MI

A hip fracture should be evaluated promptly to reduce the risk of complications and support optimal recovery. Dr. Seann E. Willson provides expert diagnosis, surgical treatment, and postoperative care for patients with hip fractures throughout Flint, Fenton and surrounding Mid-Michigan communities.

Contact our office today to schedule an evaluation and learn about your treatment options. Early intervention can help restore mobility, relieve pain, and support a safer return to daily activities.