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A hip fracture is not just a bone break; it is a medical emergency that can drastically impact a person’s mobility, independence, and overall survival. Common in elderly patients, particularly those with osteoporosis, hip fractures often lead to prolonged immobility, which can cause life-threatening complications like blood clots, pneumonia, and muscle atrophy.
In such cases, Total Hip Replacement (THR) is not just a treatment—it is a life-saving intervention. But how does THR make a difference in hip fractures, and when is it the best choice?
A hip fracture occurs when the upper part of the femur (thigh bone) breaks, often due to falls, osteoporosis, or high-impact trauma. These fractures are classified into two major types:
Intracapsular Fractures – Occur inside the joint capsule (near the femoral head). These disrupt blood supply, leading to avascular necrosis (AVN), where bone tissue dies due to lack of oxygen.
Extracapsular Fractures – Occur outside the joint capsule and often heal better with fixation techniques.
For intracapsular fractures, especially in elderly or high-risk patients, Total Hip Replacement (THR) is often the best and most effective solution.
Severe Hip Damage: If the fracture is displaced (misaligned) and the blood supply to the femoral head is compromised, hip preservation surgery may not work. THR provides a permanent solution.
Avascular Necrosis (AVN): If a hip fracture leads to AVN, the femoral head gradually collapses, making joint preservation impossible. THR replaces the dead bone with a functional artificial joint, restoring movement.
Elderly Patients (Above 60 Years): In older adults, the chances of bone healing after a hip fracture are low due to poor bone quality, reduced regenerative capacity, and osteoporosis. THR ensures immediate pain relief and faster recovery, preventing complications associated with prolonged bed rest.
Non-Healing Fractures & Failed Fixations: In cases where previous hip surgeries (like pinning or screws) fail, THR becomes the last resort to restore mobility and prevent further deterioration.
Prolonged bed rest in elderly patients leads to serious issues like blood clots, infections, pneumonia, and muscle wasting. THR allows patients to start walking within 24-48 hours, reducing these risks.
Hip fractures cause severe pain and immobility. With THR, the damaged joint is replaced with an artificial implant, eliminating pain permanently and allowing full mobility.
Many elderly patients lose their independence after a hip fracture, leading to depression and dependency. THR enables faster recovery, allowing them to regain mobility, self-sufficiency, and confidence.
Patients with osteoporosis are prone to recurrent fractures. THR provides a strong, stable joint, reducing the chances of future fractures and falls.
THR offers a durable, long-term solution, especially with modern biocompatible implants that last 15-25 years, ensuring a lifetime of mobility and function.
Hip Pinning (Fixation): Best for younger patients with non-displaced fractures but has a high failure rate in elderly patients due to poor healing.
Partial Hip Replacement (Hemiarthroplasty): Suitable for patients with limited mobility, but higher risk of pain, instability, and revision surgery.
Total Hip Replacement (THR): Ideal for elderly patients, cases with AVN, displaced fractures, and those requiring long-term mobility.
The damaged femoral head is removed and replaced with a metal, ceramic, or polyethylene implant. The hip socket (acetabulum) is resurfaced and fitted with a prosthetic cup. These artificial components allow smooth, pain-free movement, mimicking a natural hip joint.
At Medanta Lucknow, we use advanced, minimally invasive techniques for faster healing, minimal pain, and reduced hospital stays.
Follow physiotherapy, maintain a healthy weight, and use assistive devices initially.
Avoid bending too much, crossing legs, and high-impact activities for a few months.
Yes, especially in elderly patients and severe fractures where bone healing is unlikely. THR provides immediate stability, faster recovery, and long-term mobility.
Modern hip implants last between 15 to 25 years, depending on activity level and implant material.
Yes, THR is safe for elderly patients when performed with proper pre-operative assessment and post-operative care. It significantly improves their quality of life.
Total Hip Replacement is more than just a treatment for hip fractures—it is a life-saving intervention for many patients, especially the elderly. By restoring mobility, reducing pain, and preventing complications, THR enables patients to regain independence and lead an active, pain-free life. With advancements in surgical techniques and prosthetic materials, THR has become a highly successful and safe option for hip fracture management.
For more information or to schedule a consultation, visit Medanta Lucknow’s Orthopaedics Department.
