Osteosynthesis of hip fractures: procedure and advantages
Hip fractures are a serious health problem that mainly affects the elderly, but not exclusively. It can affect any age group and can greatly affect the sufferers' daily lives and even endanger their lives. Osteosynthesis is a surgical method for the repair of hip fractures that facilitates the precise alignment and stabilization of bone fractures in order to allow for complete and effective healing.
Hip fractures result from a break at the proximal end of the femur near the hip joint, and can be classified into three types: intracapsular (subcapital), pertrochanteric and subtrochanteric fractures. These injuries are particularly common in the elderly due to falls and osteoporosis, but this does not mean that younger people are immune, especially if they have suffered a high impact trauma.
Causes and risk factors for hip fractures
The main cause of hip fractures in older people is osteoporosis, as reduced bone density makes bones more fragile. Other risk factors include:
- Age-related factors such as less balance, vision and muscle strength, which increase the likelihood of falls.
- Factors present in the environment, such as slippery floors, poor lighting and obstacles that contribute to falls.
- Lack of calcium, vitamin D or other elements important for bone health.
- Medical conditions such as neurological and endocrine disorders that affect bone density and balance.
Symptoms of hip fractures
The clinical picture of a hip fracture usually includes:
- Intense pain in the hip or groin that worsens with movement.
- Inability to move immediately after a fall.
- External rotation and shortening of the affected leg.
- Swelling/haematoma and tenderness around the hip area.
The diagnosis of a hip fracture is generally confirmed by imaging examinations, initially with X-rays. CT or MRI scans may also be needed if the results of the X-rays are not sufficient for an accurate diagnosis.
What does hip fracture osteosynthesis involve?
Osteosynthesis involves repositioning the bone fragments to their natural alignment and fixing them with surgical material to allow them to heal properly. The choice of technique depends on the type of fracture and the overall health of the patient.
- Internal fixation. Screws, plates or nails are used to hold the bone fragments together. For hip fractures, this may include intramedullary nails (inserted into the bone marrow) and seldom special screws and plates,
- rarely external fixation. Rods are placed into the broken bone through the skin and then attached to a fixation structure outside the body. This method is less commonly used for hip fractures, but can be used in cases where internal fixation is not possible.
Benefits of osteosynthesis
Hip fracture osteosynthesis offers several advantages:
- Quick mobilization of the patient. Osteosynthesis generally allows for rapid mobilisation and allows for weight-bearing of the limb, which is particularly important in elderly patients in order to prevent potential complications from prolonged immobilisation.
- Faster healing. Precise alignment and fixation facilitate faster and more efficient healing.
- Less risk of complications such as non-reunion of the fracture (pseudarthrosis) or post-operative infections.
How is hip fracture prevented?
- Preventing the chance of a fall with: home modifications, regular vision and hearing tests and balance exercises.
- Strengthening bone health, with proper nutrition and adequate calcium and vitamin D intake, regular physical activity, avoiding smoking and alcohol.
- Regular health screenings, for osteoporosis and other underlying conditions that may increase the risk of fracture.
Osteosynthesis plays a key role in the treatment of hip fractures, significantly affecting patients' recovery and mobility. In addition, by taking various measures such as modifying the environment to avoid falls and regular physical exercise to enhance bone health, especially for high-risk groups, fractures can be largely prevented.
To find out more about hip fracture osteosynthesis, contact us at 6943903343 (secretariat), 6949196061(physician) or orthopedikos-papagiannopoulos.gr and make an appointment.
