Hip fracture

Specialist care for hip fracture

A thorough assessment

See a consultant with experience in assessing hip fracture and understanding how it affects your movement, comfort and everyday life.

 

Clear, trusted guidance

We’ll listen to your concerns, arrange any scans you need and explain the results clearly.

 

Care shaped around you

Together, we’ll build a treatment plan around your diagnosis, your goals and what matters most to you.

 

What is hip fracture?

A hip fracture is a break to the bone near the top of the femur (thigh bone) which supports the ball of the hip joint. It can break at any location from just below the ball of the hip to the top of the shaft of the femur.

What causes it?

There may be more than one cause or contributing factor. These can include:

  • A fall from standing height in older patients, usually associated with a loss of bone strength due to conditions such as osteoporosis
  • High energy trauma in younger patients
  • Low energy trauma in younger people where they have a metabolic condition affecting the strength of their bones
  • Neglected stress fractures in younger patients who are usually extremely fit and active (e.g. sportspeople)
  • A history of cancer and pain in the hip on daily activities

 

What are the symptoms?

Everyone experiences symptoms differently, but you may notice:

  • Severe pain in the groin or upper thigh after an accident
  • Pain that becomes much worse with movement
  • Difficulty or inability to stand or walk
  • The affected leg appearing shorter with the foot turned outwards

A suspected hip fracture is a medical emergency. Call 999 or go to Accident & Emergency. Do not try to move or put weight through the injured leg while you wait for help

 

How is it diagnosed?

A hip fracture needs urgent hospital assessment. Diagnosis usually involves an examination and X-rays, with CT or MRI used when the fracture is not clear.

We’ll explain any tests clearly and talk you through what the results mean for you.

 

Contact our appointments team
What is hip fracture?

Treatment routes for Hip fracture

Non-surgical care is unusual and is reserved for situations where surgery is not appropriate due to co-exisiting medical problems

Pain management and measures to reduce complications while the care team plans treatment

 

Recovery goals after treatment for hip fracture

Early recovery

Goals:

Reduce pain and swelling Protect the affected area Keep moving safely as advised

As your symptoms improve

Goals:

Restore comfortable movement Rebuild strength and control Return gradually to everyday tasks

Returning to full activity

Goals:

Return to suitable exercise or sport Regain confidence in your movement Continue rehabilitation or monitoring as advised

Working with hip professionals and teams

Our hip specialists support professional athletes, sports teams, active individuals and people whose work places high demands on their hips. Working closely with radiologists, physiotherapists and the wider multidisciplinary team, they provide coordinated care from diagnosis through to rehabilitation, helping each person return safely to sport, work or everyday activities.

 

The same specialist expertise and collaborative approach are available to every patient, whatever your activity level or recovery goals.

Working with hip professionals and teams

How to pay

We offer flexible options depending on how you choose to access care at Fortius. Whichever option you choose, we’ll help make the process clear and straightforward from the start.

Private medical insurance

Private medical insurance

If your care is covered by private medical insurance, we’ll usually invoice your insurer directly. Please check your policy in advance and request an authorisation code if your insurer requires one. You’ll be responsible for paying any policy excess or costs that aren’t covered by your insurance.

Paying for yourself

Paying for yourself

You don’t need private medical insurance to access care at Fortius. If you’re paying for your own treatment, our team will explain the costs clearly and provide a personalised quote before you decide whether to go ahead.

 

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