How Often Do Hip Fractures Happen After Falls?
When asked what her secret to longevity is, famous TV adjudicator Judge Judy said, “To live a long life, don’t fall.” That is good advice, which is why many folks take proactive measures to “fall-proof” their homes. Unfortunately, once you leave home, you are at risk of a slip and fall accident due to possible negligence that can result in a wide range of injuries. For instance, how often do hip fractures happen after falls? The answer might shock you.
According to information from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), 95% of hip fractures result from falls. The senior population is most vulnerable to these types of injuries. Sadly, the CDC also reports that “one-half of all older adults hospitalized for hip fracture never regain their former level of function.”
Of course, slip and fall accidents aren’t limited to seniors in the home. They can also happen at grocery stores, movie theaters, restaurants, and other public gathering spaces. These falls often result from negligence on the part of the facility manager. Additionally, falls aren’t limited to public spaces. Recently, an Illinois contractor was fined $345,912 for repeatedly exposing workers to deadly fall hazards.
Diagnosing a Hip Fracture
A hip fracture happens when the upper part of the thighbone or femur breaks. According to the Cleveland Clinic, there are two common types of hip fractures:
“Femoral neck fracture: The neck is the area of bone just below the femoral head (ball).
Intertrochanteric fracture: The intertrochanteric area is the part of the femur between the femoral neck and the long, straight part of the femur.”
Here are the symptoms of a hip fracture:
- Pain: A severe hip fracture will present as sharp, intense pain. However, a minor fracture can present as mild or achy. Pain can be in the thigh, outer hip, pelvis, and groin. You can also feel that pain down your leg and in your knee.
- Limited movement: A hip fracture instantly immobilizes the patient, preventing them from standing or walking. If they can walk, putting weight on the leg will be extremely painful.
- Physical changes: A bruise can appear on the hip after the fracture. One leg might also seem shorter than the other or appear twisted and out of position.
The only way for a doctor to thoroughly diagnose a hip fracture is through one or all of the following options:
- X-ray
- MRI
- CT scan
Treatment and Recovery
The majority of hip fractures require surgical repair. Depending on the nature of the fracture, your doctor might recommend metal screws, nails, or plates to help secure the bone and allow it to knit back into place. You might also require a complete or partial hip replacement.
Immediately after the surgery, you’ll be in a lot of pain, which can be managed with prescribed and over-the-counter medications. You’ll also need to begin a physical therapy program prescribed by your doctor. This will help you improve your flexibility and strength. During this recovery time, you might require crutches, a walker, or a wheelchair to get around.
The rehabilitation process can last anywhere from 4 weeks to 4 months, and a full recovery could take anywhere between 6 months and a year. The goal is to help you return to work and your daily routines as soon as possible. Most patients who have hip fracture surgery can return to work after 4 to 6 weeks.
Prevention
While there are many measures you can take around the home to reduce the risk of a fall, you must extend those measures to all trips outside of the house. That begins with wearing durable shoes with non-slip treads.
If you go out in bad weather, you want to take extra precautions. The places you visit might be unable to keep up with wet floors or icy sidewalks. If you see those conditions, you should alert the facility or store’s staff so they can take care of the situation.
Seeking a Remedy
A hip fracture is not the kind of injury you can recover from after a few days. You might be able to get back on your feet after surgery, but you can’t rush the recovery. All of this means that you’ll be exposed to medical bills, medications, lost wages, and some amount of pain and suffering. Those are the exact damages that Schweickert Ganassin Krzak Rundio, LLP can help you seek out.
We are a team of experienced attorneys with a successful record of helping our clients find a fair remedy for their slip-and-fall hip fractures. Call to arrange a free consultation to discuss the incident today.
