Hip Fractures
Fracturing a hip does not sound like a good time, but how bad of an injury is it really? The truth is: not great. In fact, older adults that sustain a hip fracture are often less mobile which can lead to further complications, including an increased chance of contracting pneumonia or developing a blood clot. As such, hip fractures are taken very seriously. The good news is that at here at Orthopedic Specialists of Seattle, we specialize in treating hip injuries and support patients through the healing process.
Increased Risks
So, what’s the story with hip injuries? The bones and associated ligaments of the hip are normally very strong, and it typically takes a tremendous amount of force to break the bones or disrupt the joint. As we age, however, these bones and ligaments weaken to the point where a simple ground level fall can result in a fracture or hip dislocation. In fact, more than 95 percent of hip fractures are caused just by falling and lead to 300,000 hospitalizations of older adults each year. Women need to be especially aware of their risk, as they experience three-quarters of all hip fractures. This is because women are more likely to have osteoporosis, which increases their chances of breaking a bone.
Treatments of Hip Injuries
In terms of treatment for hip injuries, a large portion are treated surgically with approximately one-third of surgery patients receiving a hip replacement. However, surgery is not right for all patients, and there are many factors to be considered in the treatment of hip injuries.
Here at Orthopedic Specialists of Seattle we have Dr. Philip Downer and Dr. Charles Peterson, who are orthopedic surgeons specializing in injuries of the hip, as well as a full team of physical therapists that can aid you in your recovery. Contact us today to schedule an appointment with one of our trained providers.