Hip Fracture Treatment in Colorado Springs, CO
A hip fracture is a break in the upper portion of the femur near the hip joint and can significantly affect a person's ability to stand or walk. Hip fractures may occur after a fall or other low-energy injury, particularly in older adults with weakened bones, while younger patients may experience fractures following higher-energy trauma.
Prompt evaluation is important when a hip fracture is suspected. Symptoms may include sudden hip or groin pain, swelling, tenderness, difficulty standing or walking, and changes in the position or length of the affected leg. Dr. Tyler Bron, MD, a board-certified orthopaedic surgeon in Colorado Springs specializing in adult reconstruction and hip and knee conditions, can evaluate hip conditions and help determine an appropriate treatment plan.
Treatment for a hip fracture in Colorado Springs depends on the location and severity of the fracture, whether the bone has shifted, bone quality, and the patient's overall health. Depending on the fracture and individual circumstances, treatment may involve surgical fixation or, for certain fractures involving the femoral neck, partial or total hip replacement. Dr. Bron's experience in adult reconstruction and hip surgery provides patients with specialized care when hip problems require surgical evaluation.
Tyler Bron, M.D.
Board-certified Orthopaedic SurgeonDr. Bron completed his fellowship in Adult Reconstruction, specializing in the treatment of arthritic hip & knee conditions at the University of Colorado in Aurora. He received specialized training in dealing with complex injuries of the hip and knee & has a particular interest in the treatment of hip arthritis through a muscle-sparing Anterior Approach. Dr. Bron works diligently with each & every patient to customize treatment plans & optimize outcomes to meet the patient’s individual goals.
What is a Hip Fracture?
The hip joint is a “ball and socket” joint. The “ball” is the head of the femur or thighbone, and the “socket” is the cup-shaped acetabulum. The joint surface is covered by a smooth articular surface that allows pain-free movement in the joint.
A hip fracture is a break that occurs near the hip in the upper part of the femur or thighbone. The thighbone 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 thighbone. 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 are the Causes of Hip Fractures?
Hip fracture is most frequently caused after minor trauma in elderly patients with weak bones, and by high-energy trauma or serious injuries in the young. The long-term use of certain medicines increases your risk for hip fractures.
What are the Signs and Symptoms of Hip Fractures?
The 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 may order an X-ray to diagnose your hip fracture. Other imaging tests, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), may also be performed to detect the fracture.
Depending on the area of the femur involved, hip fractures are classified as:
- Intracapsular fracture
- Intertrochanteric fracture
- Subtrochanteric fracture
What is the Treatment for Hip Fractures?
Hip fractures can be corrected and aligned with non-operative and operative methods:
Traction may be an option to treat your condition if you are not fit for surgery. Skeletal traction may be applied under local anesthesia, where screws, pins, and wires are inserted into the femur, and a pulley system is set up at the end of the bed to bear heavy weights. These heavy weights help in correcting the misaligned bones until the injury heals.
Hip fractures can be surgically treated with external fixation, intramedullary fixation, or by using plates and screws.
Why Choose Dr. Tyler Bron for Hip Fracture Care in Colorado Springs?
A hip fracture can be a serious injury that requires timely evaluation and an individualized treatment plan. Choosing an orthopaedic surgeon with specialized experience in hip and adult reconstruction can help you understand your treatment options.
Board-Certified Orthopaedic Surgeon
Dr. Tyler Bron, MD, is a board-certified orthopaedic surgeon in Colorado Springs specializing in adult reconstruction and hip and knee conditions. He completed fellowship training in adult reconstruction through the University of Colorado.
Specialized Hip and Joint Expertise
Dr. Bron's practice focuses on hip and knee conditions, including arthritis, joint replacement, revision surgery, and other complex problems affecting mobility and joint function.
Individualized Treatment Planning
Hip fractures vary considerably depending on their location, severity, displacement, and the patient's overall health. Dr. Bron evaluates each patient's circumstances when determining whether surgical treatment or another approach may be appropriate.
Experience With Hip Replacement and Reconstruction
Some hip fractures, particularly certain displaced femoral neck fractures, may require partial or total hip replacement rather than fixation. Dr. Bron's adult reconstruction training includes specialized experience with hip replacement and revision procedures.
Focus on Patient Goals and Communication
Dr. Bron emphasizes listening to patients, understanding their treatment goals, and maintaining an open dialogue throughout care. He works to provide patients with information about their condition and available treatment options.
Hip Fracture FAQs
A hip fracture is a break in the upper portion of the femur near the hip joint. Common types include femoral neck fractures, intertrochanteric fractures, and subtrochanteric fractures.
Hip fractures can result from falls, direct trauma, or other injuries. In older adults, weakened bones from osteoporosis or other causes can make a fracture more likely after a relatively minor fall. Younger people generally require greater force or higher-energy trauma to sustain a hip fracture.
Symptoms may include sudden hip or groin pain, swelling, tenderness, difficulty standing or walking, and pain when moving or rotating the hip. The affected leg may also appear shorter or turned outward.
Diagnosis typically begins with a physical examination and X-rays of the hip. If an X-ray does not clearly show a suspected fracture, additional imaging such as an MRI or CT scan may sometimes be recommended.
Many hip fractures require surgery, particularly when the fracture is displaced or the patient would benefit from early mobilization. The appropriate treatment depends on the fracture type, location, displacement, bone quality, and overall health. In selected patients who are not appropriate surgical candidates, nonsurgical management may be considered.
Depending on the fracture, surgical treatment may involve screws, plates, intramedullary devices, or other fixation methods. Certain femoral neck fractures may instead be treated with partial or total hip replacement.
A suspected hip fracture should be evaluated promptly, particularly when it occurs after a fall and the person cannot bear weight or has significant pain. Hip fractures are generally considered urgent injuries, and the treating medical team will determine the appropriate timing of surgery based on the patient's condition.
Yes. Older adults with weakened or osteoporotic bones can sustain a hip fracture from a relatively low-energy event, such as a fall from standing height.
Avoid putting unnecessary weight on the injured leg and seek immediate medical evaluation. A person with severe hip pain or an inability to stand or walk after a fall should be assessed promptly rather than attempting to treat the injury at home.
Get Hip Fracture Care in Colorado Springs, CO
A suspected hip fracture requires timely medical attention. If you or a loved one has experienced a fall or injury followed by significant hip pain or difficulty walking, seek prompt medical evaluation.
For orthopaedic evaluation and hip care in Colorado Springs, CO, contact Colorado Springs Orthopaedic Group to learn more about scheduling with Dr. Tyler Bron, MD and discussing the appropriate treatment options for your hip condition.
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