Fracture Care
Emergency and surgical care for fractures is available around the clock at Sacred Heart Medical Center at RiverBend. Your fracture may be treated by a general orthopedic surgeon or by one specializing in treating hands, shoulders, knees or other parts of the musculoskeletal system. Severe, complex fractures or fractures in patients with multiple injuries may be seen by one of our orthopedic traumatologists.
Click for details on:
Learn more about:
Preventing Fractures
Adults over age 50 are particularly vulnerable to fractures from falls. Take steps now to improve your bone health, especially if you’ve already had a fracture. Talk to your doctor about:
- Increasing your intake of calcium
- Increasing your intake of Vitamin D
- Getting enough of the right kinds of exercise
- Preventing falls
- Stopping smoking
- Limiting alcohol intake
Treating Hip Fracture
A hip fracture is a fracture in the end of the femur (thigh bone), near the hip joint. Hip fractures are not uncommon among adults ages 65 or older. It can be difficult for older people to completely recover from a hip fracture. Prompt treatment can help you have the best outcome.
Treatment of hip fractures depends, in part, on the type of fracture it is. Your doctor will order imaging studies (radiology) to determine the exact location of the break and whether pieces of bone have moved out of place.
- You will probably need surgery to fix your hip. Fortunately, surgery to repair a hip fracture is usually very effective. The goal of surgery is to fix the bone and help you regain movement as soon as possible. Faster recovery decreases the risk of complications (such as blood clots and pneumonia) that can accompany hip fractures.
- Surgery is not always necessary. In those cases, the fracture is allowed to heal on its own. Your care will focus on controlling your pain and protecting your fractured leg while a physical therapist helps you maintain movement to speed up recovery.
In the hospital, the orthopedics team will help you understand your condition and treatment options when you are admitted. They will also help arrange your follow-up care and will provide you with detailed instructions as you prepare to leave the hospital.
Learn more about hip fracture treatment.
