Fractured Neck of Femur Physiotherapy in London and Essex
What is a Fractured Neck of Femur ?
The femur is the main long bone in the leg. A fractured neck of femur is when the ball in the hip joint is broken away from the rest of the femur. The ball can be completely or partially disconnected. It is also known as a broken hip and is one of the most common lower limb fractures.
If you think you have a hip fracture, you'll need to go to hospital. Call 999.
What are common Fractured Neck of Femur signs?
The most common signs of a fractured neck of femur include; pain in the hip and groin which can radiate down to the knee, inability to bear weight, swelling and bruising as well as shortened and sideways rotation of the leg.
What are the main causes of a Fractured Neck of Femur?
In younger clients, this may be the result of a high energy trauma such as a road traffic accident. In older clients, it may be a result of a low energy trauma such as a fall or could be spontaneous.
What are risk factors that increase the chance of a Fractured Neck of Femur in the older population
Female
Low body weight
Osteoporosis
Longer thigh length
Will I need surgery for a Fractured Neck of Femur?
This injury normally requires surgery. This option will depend on the location of the fracture, how active you are and your individual needs.
Nail Fixation
If the fracture is lower down the neck, then a surgeon places a large metal nail, secured with a screw, from the top of the hip down through the femur.
Dynamic Hip Screw
If the break has a good blood supply, a large metal screw is placed across the fracture, the bones are further secured together using a plate and a number of smaller screws.
Hemiarthroplasty
If the break is close to the ball, a half-hip replacement may be done. Only the ball part of the joint is replaced in this instance.
Total Hip Replacement
If the break is close to the ball part of the joint, you may have both the ball and socket part of the joint replaced.
What complications are there after a Fractured Neck of Femur?
Infection
Blood clots
Pressure sores
Our Physiotherapists at Estuary Physio will evaluate throughout your sessions, they can help reduce the risk of secondary complications and will be quick to involve the right teams should you develop any complications.
How can I prevent a hip fracture?
Physiotherapists can help you take steps to reduce your falls, they may talk to you about walking aids, discuss trip hazards in the home, treat any underlying dizziness and provide exercises that improve your balance.
The medical team in the hospital will review your medications, which may reduce your falls risk. They will also ensure you are on the appropriate treatment for osteoporosis.
Hip protectors may be useful for older people in care homes. They're thought to be less effective for older people who remain active and live in their own home.
What is the FRAX tool?
The FRAX tool helps predict the risk of fracture for people aged 40 to 90. The tool is based on bone mineral density, age, sex and certain health conditions.
What painkillers will I be given?
Prior to discharge from hospital, the medical team will talk to you about how best to manage your pain. Some clients will take pain relief prior to their Physiotherapy to make them as comfortable as possible.
Can you walk with a fractured neck of femur?
Early mobilisation is an essential following surgery. It improves mobility function, lowers mortality rates at six months and one year and as well as reduces postoperative complications. If you are unable to fully weight bear, our team at Estuary Physio will work closely with your Orthopaedic team to progress your mobility aid as your weight bearing status changes.
Will I benefit from Physiotherapy?
The main goal after a hip fracture is to restore range of motion, increase strength and increase function. Physiotherapy will also help rebuild your confidence. At Estuary Physio, our initial assessment lasts one hour, following this session we are able to make a recommendation as to whether Physiotherapy would be beneficial.
Sometimes a care package is needed at home when initially discharged from hospital. A Physiotherapist works closely alongside carers and as a client progresses functionally, the care package can often be reduced. If you or someone you know needs carers at home due to a fractured neck of femur, the NHS website explains your options and where you can get support.
What will a private Physiotherapist do?
Physiotherapy treatments may include: Functional practice, scar massage, exercise prescription including range of motion, strengthening and balance retraining, respiratory techniques, hydrotherapy, weight management, soft tissue massage, falls reduction, gait re-education indoors and outdoors and reintegration in the community.
Booking an Appointment
If you would like to find out more about Estuary Physios fractured neck of femur service, please get in touch with us today and speak with one of our clinicians.
Helpful resources:
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/social-care-and-support-guide/
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/hip-fracture/
https://frax.shef.ac.uk/FRAX/tool.aspx?country=1
https://www.csp.org.uk/publications/get-go-guide-staying-steady-english-version
Medical Review
The information on this page has been reviewed for accuracy by Barry Ford BSc MCSP, Physiotherapist
Other conditions we treat:
We understand that our clients often have a range of medical conditions. Our therapists have a broad range of backgrounds. For example, a fractured neck of femur may have occurred because a client fell due to dizziness. We have specialist Vestibular therapists who can work alongside an Orthopaedic Physiotherapist to get the best results. Here are some other conditions we treat here at Estuary Physio:
https://www.estuaryphysio.com/services/older-adults
