Hip Fracture Surgery: Types
The type of surgery you have often depends on where the hip is fractured. In some cases, an internal fixation is used. These are pins, screws, or a rod placed into the fractured bone to hold it in place. In other cases, part or all of the hip is replaced. This is done when there is a lack of blood supply to the head of the femur.
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Metal pins are often used to repair fractures along the neck of the femur. The pins are inserted through the bone to keep it stable while it heals. |
A metal compression screw may be used to repair a fracture down through the femur. As the bone heals, the screw gets tighter. This allows the edges of the bone to grow together. |
A metal rod or nail may be used if the fracture is along the shaft of the femur. The rod is inserted into the bone shaft. A screw keeps the bone edges together as they heal. |
Hip Replacement
Artificial parts may be used to replace part or all of the hip joint. For a total hip replacement, a new stem and ball are placed in the femur. These fit into a new cup secured in the pelvis. For a partial hip replacement, only the stem and ball are replaced.
