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May 11th, 2011
11:30 AM ET
How long does a broken hip take to heal?Every weekday, a CNNHealth expert doctor answers a viewer question. On Wednesdays, it's Dr. Otis Brawley, chief medical officer at the American Cancer Society. Asked by Faye from Farmville, North Carolina How long does it take to completely recover from hip fracture? I fell on December 8, then had surgery December 10 and came home from the hospital December 11. I'm doing well - walking with a cane but still limping. Expert answer Dear Faye: A broken hip is one of the most common orthopedic injuries in people over the age of 65. It usually occurs as a result of a fall. It is often associated with osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is often referred to as having brittle bones due to a loss of calcium. In this operation, the top of the femur (thigh) bone is cut off and a "man-made" top of femur replaces it. This prosthesis is circular or ball-like on top and generally made of metal. A semicircular plastic liner is placed in that part of the pelvis known as the acetabulum. This is where the upper leg comes in contact with the pelvis. The ball-like top of femur sits and moves in the semi-circular acetabulum, and this defines the hip joint. In the surgery, a lot of muscles and ligaments are pulled and held away from the joint to allow the surgeon access. In this process, these soft tissues are damaged and need to heal after surgery. The patient who has a routine recovery can expect bruising of muscle and inflammation of the tendons at a minimum. These flesh injuries and tendonitis can be extremely painful and limit mobility. It can take several months to a year before complete recovery. Those whose progress becomes stagnant at any time after surgery should have an evaluation by their orthopedic surgeon. The most common reason for a plateau in recovery is muscle weakness. Patients do benefit from regular physical therapy. Weight training and stretching can strengthen muscles and stretch ligaments. It is unfortunate that there is a tendency to skip physical therapy or take short cuts. This is a special problem among older patients. Leg length discrepancy is also a common problem after surgery. Orthopedists do work hard to minimize leg length discrepancy, but it is difficult to do. A shoe lift may be needed to equalize the limb length, and some patients do end up needing a cane permanently. Less common problems are heterotopic ossification and loosening of the artificial hip. Heterotopic ossification involves a fibrous band that grows about the joint. It causes a stiffening of the hip and can begin occurring 10 days to two years after hip surgery. Loose hip prostheses were a significant problem 20 years ago but less so today. Loosening of the artificial hip is more common among people who are overweight. When walking, a heavier person puts more stress on the prosthesis as it goes into the bone. Both heterotopic ossification and loosening of the prosthesis are diagnosed with physical examination and radiologic imaging.
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Get a behind-the-scenes look at the latest stories from CNN Chief Medical Correspondent, Dr. Sanjay Gupta, Senior Medical Correspondent Elizabeth Cohen and the CNN Medical Unit producers. They'll share news and views on health and medical trends - info that will help you take better care of yourself and the people you love. Recent Comments
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The question is: "HOW LONG...?" EXPERT, PLEASE JUST ANSWER THE QUESTION OF HOW LONG!!!!!
I agree. This was not an answer to question.
it says in the article, " It can take several months to a year before complete recovery."
The correct answer is: it depends.
Hip fractures are not all created equal. Not all hip fractures are treated with joint replacement surgery as this answer suggests.
The primary goal is mobility. Patients who remain immobile from their injury do worse, significantly worse. Sugeons will perform the least invasive surgery necessary to get you up and walking within days of surgery.
It is important to remember that the hip will never be the same again.
The BEST answer for this question comes from your Surgeon. they would be happy to discuss your progress with you.
Not true that "the hip will never be the same again". I had a bad hip fracture ("Garden 3") when I was 52 - an ice-skating fall. The hip was held together with a device called a Richards Compression Screw, which remained in for 18 months, after which it was removed. In total, I was on crutches for 7.5 months (6 months after the fracture; 6 weeks after the removal of the screw.) For 20 years, the hip was no different from the other hip, as far as I could tell. Only recently has some arthritis developed in the hip that was fractured.
So, for 20 years, the fractured hip was the same as the unfractured hip, as far as I could tell - and I am very active physically - backpacking, hiking, skiing, tennis. As for how long - my case was extreme because of the nature of my fracture. It took two years before I was 99% (I'll concede a 1% residual effect to forestall argument.) So, it all depends on the nature of the fracture, how healthy you were before the fracture, and how active you are after the fracture. And, not all hip fractures are "treated" by a hip replacement, even if the person is a lot older than I was.
This was not a good article. The question did not give enough information for any answer to be given.
The correct answer is: probably, never. In fact, people die pretty quick after breaking a hip.
My advice is to start making funeral arrangements. Why burden your children anymore?
Some people die within a year or so of breaking a hip. Most people don't.
where would you get an idea like that?maybe patients died years ago after a fractured hip,#1 no rehab,#2 no getting out of bed #3 pneumonia from not getting out of bed,
sorry,forgot one more reason,blood clots,that's why it's important to get your prothrombin time(clotting time) checked to make sure your clotting time isn't too slow or too fast.
My grandmother who is 93 is on her second hip surgery and was up and walking the next day! Not true that most people die within a year of that surgery. Get some education on subjects before you talk about them.
I don't know if you're talking to me or to Sardonicism Rex. I did not say that most people die within a year or so of hip surgery. I said that some people do, most don't. According to research, risk of death increases 20-25% in the year after a hip fracture, but there are a lot of factors that can affect any individual outcome.
I wish CNN would actually consult a specialist sometimes...
There are four commonly performed operations for hip fractures: replacement and three different forms of fixation of the native femoral neck. They are chosen based on the location and configuration of the fracture. The length of time to recovery from the replacement is actually fairly short because the fracture does not have to heal, only soft tissues. Full weight bearing can typically begin right after surgery. As for the other types of surgery, bone healing is usually complete by about 3-4 months, although weight bearing may have to wait 6 weeks or so. Therapy is usually initiated right away with a walker whether the patient is allowed to bear weight or not.
A few critical misses on this article; I am the recipient of a recent hip replacement (Aug. 2010). Although the article above describes the "typical" surgery for replacement, a NEW, much more progressive method is being used called the "anterior lateral approach". This is the procedure that I had done; in this approach, it is done from the front of the hip (as opposed to the standard "posterior" entry). I am 57 and was literally up and walking within an hour of my surgery, released from the hospital on the second morning and doing so well, that we returned a rented "walker" within three days. Since this surgery (now just over 8 months), my recovery has been incredible! Aside from some limiting movements about 3-5% (still remaining but caused by lack of ligament and tendon usage during my time before surgery), it has bordered miraculous. One of the key elements for this quick recovery; anterior approach limits the need for going through so much muscle tissue, which impacts recovery time. It is true that my age (fairly young compared to more elderly patients) and general health was good to very good prior to surgery, which no doubt increased my ability for quick recovery. Undoubtedly........my opinion is two fold...........much more appropriate procedure due to fewer muscles impacted, and I had a tremendous doctor/team that performed my surgery!
Nothing new about an anterolateral approach, it's been around for a while. It does decrease the risk of postoperative dislocation because is goes through different muscles, but it is actually associated with an increased risk of limp as it goes through the abductor muscles.
Unfortunately, this article states that the most common treatment for a hip fracture is a total hip arthroplasty. This is not true. A much more common procedure is a hemiarthroplasty, which is when the ball is replaced, but not the socket. It is a less destructive procedure, but with similar rehab. Depending on the configuration of the fracture, many are also treated with fixation of the native bone with either a sliding hip screw or a rod with a compression screw. These take a few months to heal the bone, but rehab can last 6 months to a year, depending on the patient and their activity level. Obviously, the more active you were before the fracture, the quicker your rehab. The rod and compression screw technique is theoretically (and in most cases practically) the least invasive, but in some patients a limp can persist for some time because the abductor muscles are violated in order to get the rod in.
If you are having a persistent limp, talk to your doctor and your therapist. A few simple exercises can sometimes be all you need to get over it, if you are willing to do them consistently.
It doesn't sound like an artificial hip is in here. Shouldn't those with broken bones take extra magnesium for the bone collagen to grow faster and better.
I had THR first time July, 2009 – this was not due to a fall. Was quite painful and practically lived on the sofa for 9 months. Revision in March 2010, different surgeon found socket loose. Replaced socket but is still very painful to walk. Not like pain after first surgery but still painful to walk distance. It has been more than a year. We've been trying to strengthen the muscles by doing physical therapy but doesn't seem to be doing any good. I guess I'll keep it up to see if we can do some good. It is very depressing to say the least.
Healing time for hip fractures, as for any surgery, is definitely related to how bad the fracture was and how it was repaired, the condition & lifestyle of the patient at the time of the fracture and how the patient deals with the entire trauma of injury, surgery, and therapy. Generally, the older, the more inactive, and the more overweight a patient is at the time of the injury, the longer the healing process afterward. Whether or not the patient has other physical conditions, such as diabetes plays a factor. The type of fracture and the type of surgery plays a part as well – post-op protocol may be different based on one or both of those – were muscles or ligaments injured, torn, or cut? The bottom line is no one knows how long it may take you to heal, but you, your mindset and your lifestyle play active roles in the process, both pre- and post-injury.
I've suspected in the past that these questions are fake, and with this one I believe I'm correct. This is something that would have been discussed with the patient's doctor. If "Faye" had any questions after going home, she would phone the hospital for follow-up.
Weak, CNN.
cha toi bi vo xuong o cot hoan toan xem phim x thi thay chom xuong dui lot vao o bung xin mang hoi co thiet bi nao de phau thuat khong rat là cám ơn nếu có câu trả lời thành thật cám ơn
I'm 23 and broke my hip in a motorcycle accident, I had surgery and now i have 2 screws that are holding the femur neck and head together, im in crutches now, with no weight bearing on that leg, the doctor told me the recovery time would be between 12-16 months, at least until i can walk again. What im worried about is the femoral head dying and me needing a hip replacement, as I read they are only good for 10-15 years, that means i would need a surgery at age 35, 45,60, etc.
I don't believe the question is fake...in fact, I came to this link because of Faye's question...it sounded just like my situation...I fracture my hip Aug 23rd...had surgery the next day, with a Dynamic Screw...I have done quite well...just as Faye...started out a few days in wheelchair...with PT beginning right away...moved to walker...and for the past month (now December) walking with cane only...but I still have that darn limp that Faye referred to, which why I am sure she was asking how long to "heal"...I think our question is really when wlll the limp go away...the doc's answer (I am in Thailand, though from the U.S.) was simply "The limp will go away when you are stronger"...well...that's not what I want to hear...I want to know how long the limp typically lasts!!! Anyone? (And no flip answers, I was treated in an International Hospital here with a very well trained physician, and I used to work in Orthopaedics in America....my care here was exceptional...no different from America.) Thanks...anyone?
I guess I have been lucky. I had a hip replacement 10 yrs ago and on 14th Dec. 11 broke my hip just under the replacement. I am 59yrs old. I was put in traction for a week until the surgeon could figure out how he was going to fix it.
A week later he operated. I was up walking later the same day on crutches. Although could only go to the toilet and back before I was exhaused. I was allowed home 23rd December. I spent the first 10 days walking with the help of a walker because I could not manage the crutches. I am now on one crutch. Although still painful leg is improving every day. I can walk without crutch but do not want to do that yet as I limp and I do not want to get into the habit of limping. I know it took a long time and major thoughts when I walked not to limp after my hip replacement so I expect this will be the same.
I seem to be recovering well as it is now 3 weeks after my operation. I refuse to give in to a limp so I am going to work hard getting my leg back to normal. I did not do physio last time and I will not do it this time. I feel determination will do the job.
im 48Years old. i fell mar312012 and broke my left hip the e r couldnt get it repaired until the 2Nd of april. It is now may28 And im still not allowed to weight bear. They found osteparosis played a part in my breaking my hip. The doctor put a nail and screws in my hip, which kind of worry me, but sometimes things are as they are. Its driving me crazy waiting to walk or try!im sure my doctor did a good job on me,im just not very patient.! I also dont understand the limitations like no driving- im not taking any pain medication, my vehicle is automatic and i can get to it and in/out safe with my walker.
Hi Karen,
Dont be too eager. I was going along fine, and thought I was well on the road to recovery. Something happened because I thought I was ok to pick up grandchildren, and keep walking even though I was tired. I somehow moved the plate out from my hip and my break had not started to knit. I have now been in a wheelchair and on crutches for the last 3 months with probably more to come yet. I am like a prisioner in the house, but can only be greatful that it was not a break to my spine.
I do have RH Arthritis and taking cortisone and thyroxine which stops bone growth.
Please take care and try not too be in a hurry it all takes time I have come to realise.
tengo fractura acetabulo izq quiero saber si con el tiempo no me ba afectar en mi trabajo soy albanil
I slipped and fell on some ice last Jan and fractured my hip. it was surgically repaired with a gamma nail and screws the same day. I had spinal anthesia so I could hear all the hammering and drilling. I spent 4 days in the hospital and 10 days in physical therapy and then home for non weight bearing PT. I did regular home exercises to stay flexible.
After I became full weight bearing I started weight resistance training to strengthen the hip and build muscle. Periodic x-rays and checkups have shown good bone healing progress. I do have an ache in the groin area that goes away after after a good workout.
I am a 75 year old male and a practiciing Type 1 diabetic since 1967. The most difficult thing through all of this was managing my Type 1 diabetes and controlling my blood sugar to make healing possible. Trauma, stress, injury and eating different foods does a helluva job on blood sugar.
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my age 46 years, on feb 2012I under gone canulated screw fixing for my hip fracture, due to implant failure Bipolar Hemi orthoplsty has been done in July 27th.2012, recovery seem to be ok. but i have tight kind of feeling around the hip and typical piercing pain some times. is it common ?
I am in field working job, can i join same job, or i should go for sitting job!
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simple answer is to ASK YOR DOCTOR, and no listen to these babbling idiot fools on here
simple answer is to ASK YOUR DOCTOR, and no listen to these babbling idiot fools on here
Doctor i had met with an accident in May'11 and my knee got minor fractured , hip bone, my ribs, my color bone and had clauts in my mind. With the grace of god my neuro treatment is going-on, even i recoverd my whole memory, doctors had said that my knee fracture was minor so it will be fixed by its own. My color bones has been fixed but in my hand the griping is very low and fine work i can do is very less like holding a nut, ball etc. Even my doctor had put 3 screws and fix my hip bone and now my hip bone has been fixed. But its been almost 1.4 yrs there is a limping in my style of walking. I can run also, but with normal speed like jogging. Even sir after my operation i was on bed for 3-4 months. So now my physiotherapist also says my back muscles are also dead. But its been more than 1 year, kindly help me and suggest me.
i shattered my hip when I was 13, I am now 28 and in a lot of pain. The doctor said it was in 12 pieces they put a 10 inch plate with many screws and a pin in it. Any Ideas of whats going on or is it normal after 15 years for these things to happen?
I am 36 and cracked my right hip socket while power walking! (I jammed my femur up into it when I caught a bit of raised pavement-ouchy). I did not have surgery and it seems to be healing fine after 7 weeks of bed rest and crutches. I am about to start PT in a week. The doc told me to keep using crutches but I feel like I want to walk albeit with a limp similar to Quasimodo! I have 2 young children and it is really hard to not be moving around a little. I am trying not to overdue it. Am I going to screw my body up by weight bearing before I am fully cleared? I am not in pain. I don't want to be limpy forever! I think doc is being cautious but my body is telling me to move. Any advice from people not afraid of insurance claims????
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This is just embarrassing. This is an idiotic answer and half of the comments think somebody named "Sardonic Rex" is being serious about his statements...SARDONIC!? C'mon.