Hip Fracture and Rehabilitation

A hip fracture is a serious injury that most often occurs in older adults, especially those with decreased bone density due to osteoporosis. The fracture usually occurs due to a fall or direct impact to the hip, but spontaneous fractures can also occur in people with very brittle bones. The most commonly affected parts of the hip are the femoral neck, intertrochanteric or subtrochanteric regions of the femur.

What are the most common symptoms of a hip fracture after a fall?

After a fall, a hip fracture can be recognized by the following symptoms:

• Severe pain in the hip or groin area. The pain is usually intense and worsens when attempting to move or stand on the injured leg.
• Inability to move the leg. The patient is usually unable to move the leg from the side of the fracture, especially not to lift or rotate it.
• Swelling and bruising. Swelling and bruising around the hip joint are common, which can further hinder leg movement.
• Shortening of the leg. The leg on the side of the fracture may appear shorter compared to the other leg.
• Outward rotation of the leg. The injured leg is often rotated outward, which is a sign of serious hip damage.

If these symptoms occur after a fall, it is necessary to seek medical help immediately, as a hip fracture requires prompt diagnosis and treatment to reduce the risk of complications and enable the fastest possible recovery.

 

Hip Fracture Prevention and High-Risk Individuals

Hip fractures are a serious health problem, especially in older adults, where the consequences are often severe and can lead to loss of independence and prolonged recovery. Hip fracture prevention is therefore essential, especially for people who are at high risk, such as older women in menopause. Here’s a detailed guide on how to reduce the risk of hip fractures.

Regular exercise

Physical activity plays a key role in maintaining bone and muscle health. Regular exercise can help strengthen muscles, improve balance and coordination, which reduces the risk of falls. Weight-bearing exercises, such as walking, light jogging, or exercising with small weights, help maintain bone density.

Adequate nutrition

A healthy diet rich in calcium and vitamin D is crucial for maintaining healthy bones. Calcium is an essential mineral for building bones, while vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium. It is advisable to consult your endocrinologist about taking vitamin D.

Avoiding risky situations

Reducing the risk of falls is crucial for preventing hip fractures. Older adults should take steps to ensure safety in their living environment. Clear the space of unnecessary rugs, cables, and other objects that you can easily trip over. Make sure all rooms, especially hallways and stairs, are well lit. Use nightlights at night to facilitate movement in the dark. Install handrails on stairs and in bathrooms for support when moving. Wear sturdy shoes with non-slip soles to reduce the risk of falls.

Medical support and regular check-ups

Timely medical examinations can help in the early detection and treatment of osteoporosis, thereby reducing the risk of hip fractures.

Healthcare recommendations:

• Women in menopause and older adults are recommended to have regular bone density scans to assess the risk of osteoporosis.
• Based on the scan results, the doctor may recommend calcium and vitamin D supplementation or medications that strengthen bones.

Lifestyle adjustments

In addition to exercise and diet, there are other lifestyle habits that can help prevent hip fractures. Smoking reduces bone density and increases the risk of osteoporosis and fractures. Excessive alcohol consumption can impair balance and increase the risk of falls. In case of instability while walking, do not hesitate to use aids such as a cane or walker.

 

Hip Fracture Surgery and Rehabilitation at Alexander Ville

Hip fracture surgery is often a necessary step to enable adequate mobility for the patient and reduce the risk of complications. At Alexander Ville Rehab Senior Sopot, we provide comprehensive rehabilitation that begins immediately after surgery. Our goal is for patients to regain their functionality and return to daily activities as soon as possible, and we achieve this with the help of the latest technologies and an individualized approach to each patient.

Rehabilitation after a hip fracture in a senior living home

Rehabilitation in our senior living home is not just a recovery process; it represents an experience that can be compared to the services offered by the best rehabilitation centers and spas in the world. At Alexander Ville Rehab Senior Sopot, our patients have access to the most modern exercise aids and robots, which are crucial in the postoperative recovery process.

Modern rehabilitation equipment

Our rehabilitation center is equipped with the latest technological advancements designed to help patients regain strength, mobility, and confidence. Within the center, patients have access to:

• Physical therapy – Physical therapy is a comprehensive approach to rehabilitation, which includes various techniques and methods to improve mobility, strengthen muscles, and reduce pain. At Alexander Ville, physical therapy is conducted in combination with other therapies, all aimed at the fastest possible recovery of patients. Therapists work with patients to improve their balance, coordination, and overall physical endurance.
• Individual exercises – Each patient in our home receives a customized program of individual exercises, designed according to their specific needs and condition. These exercises are crucial for strengthening muscles, improving mobility, and preventing further complications. Therapists closely monitor the performance of exercises and provide support to ensure the best results.
• Massage – Massage is an important part of the rehabilitation process, as it helps in muscle relaxation, improves circulation, and reduces tension and pain. In our home, massage is used as a supplement to other therapies, thereby increasing the effectiveness of recovery and improving the overall condition of patients.
• Pain management therapies – At Alexander Ville, we use various methods for pain control, including physical therapy, electrotherapy, and massage, as well as pharmacological treatments when necessary. Our goal is to enable patients to have the most painless recovery possible. Pain therapies are tailored to each patient to ensure maximum comfort and effectiveness throughout the entire rehabilitation process.
• Exercise robots – These robots allow for precise and controlled movements that are tailored to each patient individually. With the help of these robots, patients can safely and effectively perform exercises that are crucial for their recovery. Robots are particularly useful in the early stages of rehabilitation when it is necessary to carefully control the load on joints and muscles, providing maximum support in regaining mobility.
• Electrotherapy – This therapy uses electrical impulses to stimulate muscles, which helps in strengthening muscles and reducing pain. Electrotherapy is particularly effective in improving muscle function in patients who have had prolonged immobilization or muscle weakness due to injury. Regular application of this therapy can significantly accelerate the recovery process and reduce the need for pain medication.
• Kinesiotherapy – This form of therapy focuses on movement as the primary form of treatment, with exercises tailored to the specific needs of each patient. Kinesiotherapy encompasses a wide range of exercises that help restore normal joint and muscle function, improve circulation, and reduce stiffness. Our therapists carefully monitor patient progress and adjust exercises to achieve optimal results.

Complete Support from a Professional Team After a Hip Fracture

Our professional team, which includes physiotherapists, orthopedists, and nurses, works together to provide comprehensive support to patients. Every aspect of rehabilitation is carefully planned and adapted to the patient’s needs and capabilities. From the first days after surgery, the team works on gradually returning patients to their daily lives, with continuous support and motivation.

Top-notch equipment and personalized care after hip surgery

Accommodation at Alexander Ville allows patients to feel at home, but with the added assurance that they are in the best possible hands. Our state-of-the-art equipment, including various aids and advanced robotic systems, ensures that patients receive the best possible conditions for recovery. This level of care and technology makes our home unique in the region and comparable to the best rehabilitation centers in the world.

Rehabilitation after a hip fracture is crucial for returning to a normal way of life. At Alexander Ville Rehab Senior Sopot, we provide patients with comprehensive and advanced rehabilitation supported by the latest technologies and a professional team. Our dedication and facilities enable patients to recover faster and more safely, restoring their mobility and confidence with maximum [efficiency/effectiveness].

Call and schedule a visit to Alexander Ville Rehab Senior