Hip Fracture
Definition
A hip fracture is a break in the upper part of the femur (thigh bone) near the hip joint, often resulting from a fall or direct impact. It is a common injury, particularly among older adults with weakened bones due to osteoporosis. Hip fractures can cause severe pain, immobility, and complications if not treated promptly.
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Orthopaedics & Rehabilitation
We are committed to excellence in all areas of musculoskeletal care. Our physicians treat a variety of bone, joint, nerve, and muscle ailments across many orthopaedic specialties. Our physicians work in conjunction with primary care and specialty physicians to treat both common and complex musculoskeletal problems. Fragility Hip Fracture Program On-site physiatrists Sports specialists who provide care for all levels of athletic activities, including professional teams, high school, and college athletic programs, including Yale Athletics Comprehensive arthroscopic expertise (hip, knee, ankle, shoulder, elbow, wrists, and spine) Total joint program with non-operative and joint preservation approaches; joint replacements for ankle, elbow, finger, hip, knee, shoulder, spine, and wrist, including complex revisions of failed total joint replacements Use of ultrasound for diagnosis and direction of treatment injections as a complement to imaging with MRI, CT, and PET scanning Hand and upper extremity surgery, with an active microvascular and replantation program Level I trauma services for the region at Yale New Haven Hospital Highly specialized expertise in ACL reconstruction (in skeletally immature patients) and patella-stabilizing procedures; advance treatment of multiligamentous injuries National musculoskeletal oncology referral center for benign and malignant bone and soft tissue tumorsTrauma & Fracture Care
We specialize in helping patients with complex reconstructions and fracture problems. Patients receive treatment at Yale New Haven Hospital—a nationally recognized Level I trauma center. Our Center treats the most complex trauma cases occurring in southern Connecticut, and serves as a tertiary referral center for post-traumatic reconstruction in the southern New England area. Our physicians are experts in fracture care and specialize in treating trauma care patients with spine and hand injuries. Our team offers the following treatments in orthopaedic and surgical care: Complex fractures of the upper and lower extremity Pelvic and acetabular fractures Intra-articular and periarticular fractures Spine trauma Fracture nonunions Post-traumatic deformity and arthritis Polytraumatized patients Knee dislocations and multi-ligament knee injuries Minimally-invasive fracture stabilization Arthroscopically assisted fracture care Joint dislocation and ligamentous injuriesSyncope & Falls Assessment Program
Falls and fall injuries are one of the most common health problems among older adults. However, since falling is not a single disease, clinicians may not recognize falling as a treatable health problem. The consequences of untreated falls and their risk factors can be just as serious as those of other untreated chronic diseases. We have identified risk factors that increase the chance of falling. While some factors that increase risk of falling cannot be changed (such as age and previous falls), there are a number of important ones that can. These include: Any problems with walking or movement Blood pressure dropping too much when getting up (postural hypotension) Use of four or more medications or any psychoactive medications Unsafe footwear or foot problems Visual problems Environmental hazards that can cause tripping Research has shown that treating and correcting these specific health problems reduces the rate of falling by more than 30%. Yale researchers were among the first to show that falls among seniors could be prevented and that fall-prevention interventions mean that seniors are less likely to be hospitalized or need advanced medical care. This research has since been translated into protocols that are used in clinical and community settings to help prevent falls. Falls and fall injuries: Are more common than strokes and can be just as serious in their consequences Are the most preventable cause of needing nursing home placement Lead to problems with daily activities like dressing, bathing, and walking Among adults 70 years and older: Three in 10 fall each year Two in 10 who need home health care after being in the hospital will fall during the first month after coming home One in 10 suffer a serious fall injury such as a broken bone or head injury Five in 10 have problems getting up without help after they have fallen Falls cause over 90% of broken hips; only half of those who break their hip will get around as well as they did before their broken hip In the United States, 16% of all emergency department visits and almost 7% of all hospitalizations are for fall-related injuries