Hip fractures are fairly common, especially in older adults who are prone to slip-and-fall accidents. However, even in younger individuals, fractures can occur as the result of sports injuries and automobile accidents, stress injuries, and osteoporosis.
Hip fractures can make it extremely painful to walk or participate in normal daily activities. While these fractures can heal on their own, this would require twelve or more weeks of complete immobilization.
This increases the risk of a number of complications, including:
- A significant loss of strength and muscle mass
- Blood clots
- Bed sores