If you suffer a hip fracture, such as in a bicycle accident, it’s important to receive immediate medical attention. This is a serious injury that will not heal on its own, so you need to consult with an experienced medical professional.
Generally speaking, a hip fracture calls for some type of surgery. While this may not be something you want to go through, it’s the best way to put yourself on the path to making a full recovery.
There are many factors that come into play when determining what type of surgery is best, including your current level of health, age, and type of fracture. The three most common procedures include:
— Total hip replacement. This is often times necessary if a prior injury or arthritis has affected your hip before suffering the fracture.
— Partial hip replacement. In the event that the ends of the bone are damaged, your surgeon may be able to proceed with a partial hip replacement.
— Internal repair. With this approach, your surgeon uses metal screws as to hold the hip bone in place as it heals.
It goes without saying that all three of these procedures are serious. Along with this, there will be some recovery time after your surgery.
Due to the severity of a hip fracture, it’s important to follow the advice of your medical team. Along with this, don’t hesitate to learn more about your legal rights. For example, if you were struck by a motor vehicle, you may be able to file a claim in an attempt to receive compensation for your injuries.
Source: Mayo Clinic, “Treatments and drugs,” accessed April 20, 2017