Fractured Hip

What is a Hip Fracture?

A hip fracture refers to a break in the upper portion of the femur where it connects with the pelvis to form the hip joint. Because the hip joint plays a major role in walking, standing, and weight-bearing, this injury can significantly affect mobility and independence.

Hip fractures are generally classified into three main types depending on where the break occurs:

Femoral Head Fracture

This fracture affects the rounded top of the femur, which forms the ball of the hip joint. It is usually caused by high-impact trauma such as road accidents or severe falls. In some cases, the acetabulum (hip socket) may also be damaged.

Femoral Neck Fracture

Also known as a neck of femur (NOF) fracture, this injury occurs just below the head of the femur. It is common among older adults and is often associated with osteoporosis and falls.

Subtrochanteric Fracture

This fracture occurs just below the neck of the femur in the upper shaft region. It can occur due to significant trauma or weakened bone structure.

Each type of fracture requires appropriate medical treatment followed by structured rehabilitation.

How Does a Hip Fracture Happen?

The most common cause of a hip fracture is a fall, particularly in older adults with reduced bone density.

Common causes include:

• Falls in older adults due to osteoporosis
• Slips or trips at home
• High-impact trauma such as road traffic accidents
• Severe sports injuries
• Direct impact to the hip

In elderly individuals, even a minor fall can lead to a hip fracture due to weakened bones.

What Are the Symptoms of a Hip Fracture?

Symptoms of a hip fracture usually appear immediately after the injury.

Common symptoms include:

• Severe pain in the hip or groin
• Difficulty or inability to stand or walk
• Swelling and bruising around the hip
• Shortening or outward rotation of the injured leg
• Reduced hip movement
• Muscle weakness
• Difficulty bearing weight on the leg

These symptoms often require urgent medical attention.

What Should I Do If I Have a Hip Fracture?

A hip fracture is a serious medical emergency and requires immediate hospital care.

If a hip fracture is suspected:

• Avoid moving or putting weight on the injured leg
• Seek emergency medical assistance immediately
• Keep the patient comfortable and supported
• Follow medical advice regarding imaging and treatment

Doctors usually confirm the diagnosis using X-rays, and additional scans such as MRI or CT scans may be used if the fracture is not clearly visible.

Treatment often involves surgical stabilisation or hip replacement, depending on the severity of the fracture.

Medical Treatment for a Hip Fracture

Treatment depends on the location and severity of the fracture.

Common treatments include:

• Internal fixation using screws, rods, plates, or nails
• Partial hip replacement (hemiarthroplasty) if the femoral head is severely damaged
• Total hip replacement in cases involving joint damage
• Traction and conservative management if surgery is not suitable

Following surgery or initial treatment, a structured physiotherapy programme is essential for optimal recovery.

Physiotherapy Treatment for a Hip Fracture

Physiotherapy plays a vital role in restoring mobility, strength, and independence after a hip fracture.

At ACE Physio Sports in Singapore, rehabilitation programmes are personalised based on the patient’s condition, surgical procedure, and recovery goals.

Physiotherapy helps to:

• Reduce pain and swelling
• Restore hip joint mobility
• Strengthen muscles around the hip and thigh
• Improve balance and coordination
• Promote safe walking and weight-bearing
• Restore independence in daily activities

Early Rehabilitation Phase

Early physiotherapy focuses on gentle movements and preventing complications.

Treatment may include:

• Gentle range-of-motion exercises
• Circulation exercises to prevent stiffness
• Assisted mobility training
• Breathing exercises
• Guidance on safe transfers and walking aids

Middle Rehabilitation Phase

As healing progresses, strengthening and functional training become important.

Treatment may include:

• Strengthening exercises for the quadriceps, hamstrings, and gluteal muscles
• Balance and stability training
• Progressive weight-bearing exercises
• Walking retraining
• Postural correction exercises

Late Rehabilitation Phase

The final stage focuses on restoring full function and independence.

Treatment may include:

• Advanced strengthening exercises
• Functional movement training
• Endurance exercises
• Stair climbing practice
• Activity-specific or sport-specific training

What Should I Avoid With a Hip Fracture?

During recovery, certain activities should be avoided.

Patients should avoid:

• Weight-bearing without medical clearance
• Sudden twisting movements of the hip
• High-impact activities
• Returning to sports too early
• Ignoring persistent pain or swelling

Following a physiotherapy rehabilitation plan is essential for safe recovery.

Can There Be Long-Term Effects?

Most hip fractures heal successfully with proper treatment and rehabilitation. However, without adequate physiotherapy, complications may occur.

Possible long-term effects include:

• Reduced hip mobility
• Muscle weakness
• Balance problems
• Difficulty walking
• Chronic hip pain
• Increased risk of future falls

Early physiotherapy significantly improves recovery outcomes and supports a return to independent living.

Why Choose ACE Physio Sports

At ACE Physio Sports – Singapore, our physiotherapists specialise in orthopaedic rehabilitation, post-surgical recovery, and sports injury physiotherapy.

Our clinic offers:

• Experienced musculoskeletal physiotherapists
• Personalised rehabilitation programmes
• Evidence-based physiotherapy treatments
• Structured recovery plans for hip fracture rehabilitation

Conveniently located near East Coast Road, we regularly treat patients from Marine Parade, Katong, Joo Chiat, Siglap, and Bedok.

Book an Appointment

To arrange an appointment, please call +65 81535374 or visit acephysiosport.com.