After a hip fracture occurs, you will likely be taken to a hospital emergency room (ER). While in the ER, many tests will be done, including X-rays and blood tests. The nursing staff will monitor your blood pressure, heart rate, and breathing. You will be given pain medicine. If you are alone, a staff member will try to contact your family or a friend so they can be with you.
What happens next?
Your surgery, if needed, will be done once a surgical team can be readied. This often takes less than
Your healthcare team
A team of healthcare providers will be with you during your hospital stay.
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Orthopedic surgeons repair the hip and guide your treatment.
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Physician assistants (PAs) and nurse practitioners (NPs) assist in surgery and provide care.
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Nurses provide daily care and help you manage pain.
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Physical therapists (PTs) teach you exercises that build strength and aid recovery. They will also teach you how to get around safely while you heal.
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Occupational therapists (OTs) teach you how to do daily activities. This helps prepare you to go home.
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Case managers or social workers help prepare insurance and discharge paperwork.
Possible risks
Any surgery has risks. The possible risks and complications of this surgery include:
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Infection
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Dislocation of the joint
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Blood clots
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The fracture does not heal
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Reaction to the anesthesia
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Pneumonia
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Damage to nearby blood vessels, bones, or nerves
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Fat tissue passes into the blood and blocks a blood vessel (fat embolism)
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Walking with a limp
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Pain
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One leg shorter than the other (leg length discrepancy)
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