Hip Fractures are Common but Treatable
Don’t let hip pain or fractures hold you back. You need a team of specialists who can provide expert care quickly and effectively. Community Memorial Center for Orthopedics Hip Fracture Program is designed to alleviate your pain, restore mobility, and get you back to doing what you love—faster and safer. With a patient-centered approach, we combine the most advanced orthopedic care and technology with compassionate care.
Hip fractures primarily affect individuals aged 50 and older, with the risk increasing significantly with age. Falls, particularly those experienced by individuals with osteoporosis (weakened bones), are the leading cause of these common fractures.
Are There Different Types of Hip Fractures?
Hip fractures can occur in various locations:
Intertrochanteric Fractures: Occur between the greater and lesser trochanters of the femur, in the area between the neck and main shaft of the thighbone. These fractures typically have a better healing prognosis than femoral neck fractures because the blood supply is less likely to be compromised. They're usually treated with internal fixation using a sliding hip screw or intramedullary nail.
Subtrochanteric Fractures: Located below the trochanters (the bony prominences where major hip muscles attach) in the upper part of the femoral shaft. These fractures can be challenging to treat due to the high mechanical stresses in this area from muscle forces. They often require specialized intramedullary nailing techniques and have a longer healing time compared to other hip fractures.
Femoral Neck Fractures: Occur just below the ball (femoral head) of the hip joint. These fractures are particularly concerning because they can disrupt blood supply to the femoral head, potentially leading to avascular necrosis. They're common in elderly patients after falls and are often treated with either internal fixation or hip replacement, depending on the patient's age and fracture pattern.
What are Signs of a Hip Fracture?
Symptoms of a hip fracture may include the following:
Severe hip or groin pain
Inability to stand or walk
Shortened or outwardly turned leg
Bruising and swelling around the hip
Our orthopedic specialists will assess your condition using advanced, on-site imaging techniques like X-rays, MRIs, or CT scans to create a personalized treatment plan tailored to your needs.
Fractured Hip?
Call Our Fracture Line at (315) 228-3030
If you are calling after hours or on the weekend, please leave a detailed voicemail and the office will contact you the next business day. If you suspect you have a broken hip, do not wait. Visit the Emergency Department at Community Memorial, 150 Broad Street, Hamilton NY 13346.
How Do You Treat a Broken Hip?
For hip fractures, timely surgical care is critical. Our program ensures surgery is performed urgently from the time of diagnosis to minimize complications and accelerate recovery. The CMH Center for Orthopedics offers a range of surgical options tailored to our patients’ personal circumstances and needs:
Internal Fixation:
- Uses screws or pins to stabilize the broken bone fragments.
- Ideal for younger patients with good bone quality.
- Preserves the natural hip joint.
Partial Hip Replacement (Hemiarthroplasty) Partial Hip Replacement (Hemiarthroplasty):
- Replaces only the ball portion of the hip joint.
- Commonly used for older adults.
- Suitable for less active patients.
- Allows for a quicker return to walking compared to internal fixation in some elderly patients.
Total Hip Replacement:
- Replaces both the ball and socket of the hip joint.
- Used when arthritis is present or the socket is damaged.
- Provides excellent pain relief and function, especially for active elderly patients.
Our team of medical specialists will recommend a surgery based on factors such as fracture location, bone quality, patient age, their overall health, and activity level.
Recovery and Rehabilitation From Hip Surgery
Following surgery, patients typically experience a hospital stay of 3-7 days. Physical therapy begins immediately to aid in regaining strength and mobility. Full recovery from a hip fracture can take 3-6 months.
Community Memorial offers various discharge options to support continued recovery:
Outpatient Therapy: Provides advanced therapy to restore range of motion, strength, balance, and walking ability.
SWING Bed Program: Qualifying patients can be admitted into our short-term rehabilitation program that serves as a bridge between the hospital and home.
Patient Education and Support
Patient education is a cornerstone of Community Memorial's hip fracture care program.
Pre-operative Education: Patients receive comprehensive information about preparing for surgery, the hospital stay, and recovery at home.
"Care Partner" Involvement: Our medical care team recommends that a family member or friend act as a "coach" to support the patient throughout their journey. We find that having a supportive partner improves overall outcomes.
Dedicated Care Team: Doctors, nurses, and therapists provide personalized care and education throughout the recovery process.
Why Choose Community Memorial?
Community Memorial Hospital is committed to providing high-quality, patient-centered care for the people in the Hamilton, New York area. Our focus is on patient education, a pre-planned discharge plan, and the expertise of Dr. Takemoto. If you have broken your hip or need a hip replacement then our dedicated care team is your ideal choice for effective treatment and a successful recovery.
Call (315) 824-7040 to Schedule an Appointment
Community Memorial Center for Orthopedics
The most advanced orthopedics program and the latest in joint replacement robotics can be found right here in Hamilton, NY, at Center for Orthopedics at Community Memorial. We provide premier orthopedic care in a highly personalized atmosphere. Our specialties include joint replacement, trauma and fractures, upper extremities such as elbows and shoulders, spine and brain, and sports injuries. We help patients of all backgrounds get back to doing what they love.
We’re ready to help you get the orthopedic care you need
To learn more about the Community Memorial Center for Orthopedics or schedule an appointment, use our form or call (315) 824-7040.
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