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Hip Fracture Treatment: Timeline From ER to Walking Again

  • Dr. Hitesh Kubadia
  • 2 days ago
  • 3 min read

A hip fracture is one of the most life-changing injuries for older adults. It affects mobility, confidence, independence, and long-term health. But with modern surgical techniques and early mobilisation, seniors can walk again within days, not months.


This guide walks you through what really happens, step-by-step, from the moment you enter the emergency room until you're able to walk again.


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🛑 Why Hip Fractures Are Serious in Seniors

Hip fractures are urgent because:

  • Bone quality is weak due to osteoporosis

  • Healing naturally is almost impossible (poor blood supply)

  • Immobility can lead to complications

  • Early surgery = faster walking = better recovery

Most hip fractures occur at the neck of the femur, and this specific location doesn’t heal well on its own.


🩺 Step 1: Emergency Room Assessment

When a patient arrives:

  • Pain is assessed

  • Leg position is checked (may appear shortened or rotated)

  • Painkillers are given

  • Blood tests are done to prepare for possible surgery

Doctors also check for:

  • Heart condition

  • Blood pressure

  • Diabetes

  • Hydration

  • Past medical records


🦴 Step 2: X-rays, Scans & Diagnosis

X-rays confirm the type of fracture:

  • Neck of femur fracture (most common)

  • Intertrochanteric fracture

  • Subtrochanteric fracture


In older patients, neck fractures almost always need replacement surgery because the blood supply is compromised.

If needed, a CT scan evaluates fracture complexity.

🧠 Step 3 — Choosing the Right Surgery

Your surgeon chooses based on:

  • Age

  • Activity level

  • Bone quality

  • Type of fracture

  • Condition of hip socket

  • Existing arthritis

Here are the three main options:

1. Bipolar Hip Replacement

Best for: elderly, low-to-moderate activity patients

  • Only the ball is replaced

  • Socket remains intact

  • Faster surgery

  • Less blood loss

  • Very quick recovery

  • Best for fragile bone

2. Total Hip Replacement

Best for: younger seniors or active patients or when:

  • Socket is damaged

  • Arthritis is already present

  • Long-term mobility is important

This offers better long-term function.

3. Internal Fixation (rare in elderly)

Using screws/plates, ideal when:

  • Bone quality is good

  • Fracture is not displaced

  • Patient is younger

Most elderly patients do not heal well with fixation alone.

🏥 Step 4 — Surgery Day: What Actually Happens

The surgery usually lasts 45–90 minutes depending on the procedure.

What happens:

  • Anaesthesia is administered

  • Damaged bone is removed

  • Implant is inserted

  • Muscles are preserved (minimally invasive approach)

  • Stability is checked

  • Wound is closed with minimal stitches

Modern techniques used by surgeons like Dr. Hitesh Kubadia use small, muscle-preserving incisions that significantly speed up recovery.

🚶‍♂️ Step 5: Recovery Timeline: From Day 1 to Week 12

Day 1: Standing with Support

Patients usually stand with a walker within 24 hours.

Benefits:

  • Reduces lung complications

  • Reduces clot formation

  • Boosts confidence

  • Starts muscle activation

Week 1: Walking with Walker

Patients are encouraged to:

  • Walk multiple times a day

  • Sit in a chair

  • Do ankle and knee mobility exercises

  • Practice transfers

Pain reduces significantly with medication.

Weeks 2–4: Mobility Improves

Patients can:

  • Walk freely at home

  • Climb stairs with support

  • Sit comfortably

  • Sleep better

  • Reduce walker usage

By week 4, most patients are confident walking with a cane or without support.

Weeks 4–8: Strength Returns

Patients experience:

  • Improved step length

  • Better hip movement

  • Less stiffness

  • Stronger thigh and glute muscles

Outdoor walking becomes comfortable.

Weeks 8–12: Independent Walking

By 3 months:

  • Most patients walk independently

  • Navigate stairs comfortably

  • Resume daily routines

  • Enjoy pain-free movement

🙋‍♀️ Common Concerns Families Have

1. “Will the patient walk again?”

In most cases, YES. With early surgery and good physiotherapy, mobility returns quickly.

2. “Is surgery safe at this age?”

Modern techniques + early mobilisation make surgery very safe for seniors.

3. “How soon can we go home?”

2–4 days depending on walking stability.

4. “Will there be pain?”

Pain medicines + minimally invasive surgery dramatically reduce pain.

⚡ Why Early Surgery Is Critical

Early surgery (within 24–48 hours):

  • Reduces complications

  • Prevents bed sores

  • Speeds up walking

  • Improves life expectancy

  • Reduces hospital stay

Waiting too long increases risks significantly.

🏥 Why Choose Dr. Hitesh Kubadia

  • Specialist in hip fractures & replacements

  • Minimally invasive, muscle-sparing techniques

  • Hundreds of elderly hip fracture surgeries

  • Bipolar + total hip replacement expertise

  • Quick mobilisation protocols

  • Compassionate patient & family guidance

  • Strong track record of fast recoveries

📞 Book Your Consultation

👉 WhatsApp: +91 98212 57676

🧩 FAQs

1. How long does it take to recover from a hip fracture?

Most patients walk in 1–2 days and recover strength within 6–12 weeks.

2. Is bipolar hip replacement good for elderly patients?

Yes. It is fast, safe and ideal for seniors with hip fractures.

3. Can hip fractures heal without surgery?

Rarely in elderly patients due to poor blood supply. Surgery is the standard treatment.

4. How long do hip implants last?

15–20+ years depending on activity and bone quality.

 
 
 

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