What it is
Getting up and walking soon after surgery, with physiotherapy, gives the best chance of recovery. Some people need extra support at home afterwards.
After a hip fracture, it is important to look at bone health and the reasons for falling, to prevent another break.
Common signs
- Pain in the hip or groin after a fall
- Being unable to stand or put weight on the leg
- The leg looking shorter or turned outwards
- Bruising and swelling
How it is usually diagnosed
- Examination
- X-ray
- CT or MRI if the X-ray is clear but a break is still suspected
Records worth keeping
Keeping these together makes each appointment easier, especially when you see a new doctor:
- X-ray reports
- Operation notes, including the type of fixation or replacement
- Hospital discharge summary
- Bone density results and falls assessment
Questions to ask your doctor
- What type of operation is planned?
- What will rehabilitation look like, and what help will I have at home?
- What can be done to protect my bones and prevent falls?
When to get help right away
Call 112 or go to the nearest emergency department if you have:
- After a fall, being unable to get up or put weight on a leg: call 112
This page is general information. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace a doctor who knows your history. Medfold keeps your records organised; it does not interpret them.