Hip fractures can be very serious and there is a potential for complications with this injury. Fox Valley residents can learn about the potential complications of a fractured hip from a hip specialist. It is important to know what these are so that you can take the steps necessary to prevent them.
Blood Clots
Blood clots are a major concern following any injury or surgery that has you in bed. Being sedentary is a major risk factor. If a blood clot forms, breaks off and then gets into your heart or lungs, it has the potential to be life-threatening. It is important that you work to get up as soon as you are able and start moving around to prevent this complication.
Urinary Tract Infection
A urinary tract infection is common and might not seem too scary, but it can be. If you notice the signs of this infection, it is important that you immediately alert your doctor so that antibiotics can be started. If this type of infection is allowed to fester, there is a risk that it can get into your bloodstream and cause a whole body infection.
Muscle Mass Loss
When you do not use your muscles, you will eventually lose them. It is not easy to be up and moving when you have a hip fracture. However, you will likely be visited by a physical therapist who will give you some exercises to do. It is important that you do these to maintain your muscle mass while you are waiting to be mobile again.
Bedsores
Bedsores are common in people who spend extended hours in bed. They are more common in older adults who have skin that has lost its integrity, but anyone can experience them. Even if you are stuck in bed for a short while, it is important to move around as you can to prevent bedsores from developing on your skin.
Pneumonia
This complication is also associated with being sedentary. Acquiring pneumonia after an injury that keeps you in bed is not common. This risk is the biggest for people who are older and those who have poor immune systems, but everyone is at risk. It is important that you sit up as soon as you can. Once your doctor says you can be mobile, you have to get out of bed and move around. This will help to prevent this possibly life-threatening complication.
As you can see, moving around as you are allowed to can go a long way in helping to prevent the complications of a hip fracture. Make sure to talk to a hip specialist to get further details concerning complication prevention.
Have questions?
Request a consultation with one of the hip specialists at the Orthopedic & Sports Institute. Call (920) 560-1000 or request an appointment online.
OSI has convenient locations to serve you. The campus in Appleton includes clinics, a surgery center, MRI, physical therapy, and a skilled nursing facility, as well as a walk-in clinic that provides care for new orthopedic injuries.
OSI has outreach clinics in New London, Ripon, Shawano, Waupaca, and the newest location serving the Green Bay area, inside the NOVO Health Clinic in De Pere.
OSI is a proud member of NOVO Health.