Hip Fracture (Broken Hip) in Singapore

A hip fracture is a break in the bone of the hip. It is a common injury among the elderly and people with osteoporosis, which can be debilitating. But, there are various hip fracture treatments available in Singapore.

Hip fractures are often caused by falls from standing height or less but can also be caused by severe trauma such as a car accident. It can also occur from the natural process of ageing. When the hip bone weakens and breaks, it can lead to a hip fracture.

Let’s go through the causes of hip fractures in Singapore, the risk factors, how they are diagnosed, and the appropriate treatment for each.

What is a Hip Fracture(Broken Hip)?

A hip fracture is a break in the upper part of the femur or thigh-bone. It often results from a fall onto the buttocks or side of the hip. It is also one of the most common causes of bone fractures among the elderly.

The break maybe either complete or incomplete. A complete break means the bone is broken all the way through, and two pieces of bone are sticking out. An incomplete break means that only a small piece of bone is broken and might not be visible on X-rays.

It is important to there are different types of hip fractures, and they are classified based on their location on the bone. The most common types of hip fractures are:

• Femoral neck fracture occurs near the femur below the femoral head.
• Intertrochanteric fracture occurs between two parts of the thighbone, the femoral neck and the femur.

During a diagnosis, hip fractures can be categorised into two types: stable and unstable. Stable hip fractures can be treated with non-surgical methods such as medication or physical therapy. Unstable ones require surgery to repair the broken bone and stabilise it, so it heals correctly.

What causes a Hip Fracture(Broken Hip)?

Most hip fractures are often caused by falls from standing height or less, especially in elderly adults with weakened bones or osteoporosis. A sudden twist or pivoting movement can cause them to sustain a fracture in their hip bone.

In young, healthy adults, hip fractures can result from an accident, such as a car crash. Athletes, especially long-distance runners, can also sustain a hip fracture with repeated use, causing stress fracture in the hip bone.

What are the Risk Factors for Hip Fractures?

There are many things that can increase the risk of hip fractures. This includes:

• Age – Hip fractures are more common in people over 65 due to natural ageing making their bones weaker and they are prone to accidents.
• Sex – Older females are more prone to sustain hip fractures as they lose bone mass after menopause.
• Lifestyle – People who live a sedentary lifestyle are more likely to fracture their hip bone. Too much alcohol can also weaken their bones and increase fracture risk.
• Medications – Some medications can increase the risk of falls, such as those that cause drowsiness or a drop in blood pressure, causing you to lose your balance.
• Osteoporosis – People with this condition have weakened and porous bones, which increases their risk of fracture.
• Overall Health – People who don’t get enough vitamin D, calcium and other nutrients have a higher fracture risk.

Symptoms and Signs of Hip Fractures

The symptoms of a hip fracture typically come on suddenly, but they can appear gradually and worsen with time. The signs include:

• Pain – Acute pain, which is typically localised to the groin and upper part of the thigh. May radiate down the leg and cause painful sensations in the knee.
• Limited Mobility – Most people with a fracture in their hip bone experience limited mobility. Putting weight on the side of the injured hip bone can also be painful.
• Physical Changes – You may notice bruising and swelling in and around the hip area. Plus, your leg may appear shorter than the other.

Recommended Treatment for Hip Fractures in Singapore

Treating a hip fracture(broken hip) in Singapore generally depends on your age, overall health, and type of injury. Most hip fractures require surgical intervention within 1 or 2 days of injury. But some people aren’t healthy enough for surgery due to advancing age or other conditions.

After your diagnosis, your doctor will recommend the most suitable hip fracture treatment, which may include:

• Surgery – The broken hip surgery in Singapore will depend on the location and severity of the hip fracture. Your doctor may use metal screws, nails or plates to keep the bones in place.
• Total Hip Replacement – This is a procedure in which the damaged bone is removed from the hip joint and replaced with metal alloy or ceramic components, allowing the hip to restore its normal articulation with the pelvic bone.
• Physical therapy – Depending on your condition, your physical therapist will create a programme to help you regain a range of motion, increase flexibility, and improve lower body strength.

Get Treated For Your Hip Fracture

At Spire Orthopaedic Centre, everyone should be cared for and healed holistically in comfort without having to travel to different locations to seek medical and surgical help and rehabilitation support.

With a combined facility for collaboration between physicians, physiotherapists, and surgeons, you will experience a seamless service from diagnosis to treatment and rehabilitation that’s tailored just for you at our clinic.

Book an Appointment Today!