A hip neck fracture is a break in the thigh bone just below (most often 1 to 2 cm) the location of the hip joint.
Causes
The most common cases of hip neck fractures occur due to trauma from serious car accidents, falls, bone fragility weakened by osteoporosis. Less commonly, fractures are caused by tumors, osteomalacia (bone disease), and specific stress fractures (in athletes). The risk of a hip neck fracture increases with hereditary predisposition, during menopause in women, for elderly individuals, in cases of previous hip fractures, with excessively low body weight, and thin bones. Factors affecting fracture resistance include harmful habits, a sedentary lifestyle, poor coordination, and deficiencies in calcium and vitamin D in the body.
Symptoms of Hip Neck Fractures
With a hip neck fracture, the injured person feels sharp pain in the thigh, is unable to stand or walk, and cannot move the thigh in any way. The leg may appear unnatural, possibly looking shorter or turned to the side.
Diagnosis of Hip Neck Fractures in Israel
The initial step in diagnosing a hip neck fracture in Israel involves the doctor creating a clinical picture – determining the circumstances and timing of the patient's injury and studying the symptoms. Based on the initial examination, the patient is prescribed an X-ray of the hip bone. In rare cases where the X-ray is ineffective, magnetic resonance imaging may be performed.
Treatment of Hip Neck Fractures in Israel
Treatment of a hip neck fracture in Israel aims to quickly restore the patient's mobility. First and foremost, pain relief is provided, the load on the injured limb is minimized, vital signs are monitored, and internal bleeding is addressed or prevented. After this, a surgical operation is performed to realign the broken bone and stabilize it in that position. For this purpose, the fracture site is reinforced with a special plate and screws inserted into the bone. During the surgery, a hip joint replacement may be performed. After the operation, the patient undergoes a long recovery process, during which they will need assistance with daily activities and rehabilitative physical therapy.
Prevention
Prevention of hip neck fractures includes a diet rich in bone-strengthening vitamins and minerals with reduced meat consumption, physical exercises, timely prevention of osteoporosis development, and avoiding injuries.