Every year more than 300,000 American seniors aged 65 and older are hospitalized for hip fractures. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 95 percent of hip fractures are caused by falling, usually sideways. Hip fractures are devastating for the elderly community because even after the injuries heal, the link between mobility and confidence in the senior may be destroyed.
If you or your senior has experienced a fall, here are the signs that will tell you if you have a broken hip:
While a vast majority of hip fractures in the elderly occur from falling, there are other ways that your senior may find himself or herself with a hip fracture. Some of the causes of broken hips are:
Your doctor may see the bruising or swelling around your hip and think that you have a broken hip, but to make an accurate broken hip diagnosis, they may order some of the following imaging tests:
When considering treatment options for a broken hip, your doctor should take your age and physical condition into consideration. Depending on other medical conditions you may have, your treatment may vary.