A broken hip, also called a hip fracture, is a serious injury that requires prompt medical attention. It commonly affects the upper part of the femur, or thighbone, near the hip joint. Hip fractures can happen after a fall, car accident, sports injury, or another significant impact. In people with weakened bones, particularly osteoporosis, even a relatively minor fall can sometimes cause a fracture.
Recognizing the signs of broken hip can help someone get medical care quickly. Common symptoms include severe pain around the hip or groin, difficulty standing or walking, inability to put weight on the affected leg, swelling, bruising, and changes in the position or appearance of the leg.
If a hip fracture is suspected after a fall or injury, do not try to walk on the injured leg. Seek urgent medical care.
What Is a Broken Hip?
A hip fracture is a break in the upper portion of the femur, the large bone that connects the hip to the knee. Common hip fractures include fractures around the femoral neck and the intertrochanteric region.
The severity and symptoms can vary depending on where the bone breaks and whether the broken pieces have moved out of position.
Hip fractures are more common in older adults because bone density tends to decrease with age. Osteoporosis can make bones weaker and more vulnerable to fractures. However, younger people can also experience a broken hip after high-impact trauma, such as a serious vehicle accident or sports injury.
7 Signs of Broken Hip to Watch For
1. Severe Hip or Groin Pain
One of the most noticeable signs of a broken hip is significant pain around the hip or groin. The pain may begin immediately after a fall or injury and can become worse when attempting to move the hip or leg.
Some people may feel pain in the upper thigh rather than directly over the hip. Because pain can occur in different areas, severe pain after an injury should not be ignored.
2. Inability to Stand or Walk
A person with a hip fracture may be unable to get up after falling. Standing or walking can be extremely painful or impossible.
If someone suddenly cannot walk after a fall, particularly when accompanied by severe hip or groin pain, a hip fracture should be considered and evaluated urgently.
3. Inability to Put Weight on the Affected Leg
Another common symptom is an inability to put normal weight on the leg on the injured side.
Trying to stand may cause severe pain. Even if someone can take a few steps, significant pain while bearing weight after an injury still warrants medical assessment.
Do not repeatedly test the leg by trying to walk if a fracture is suspected.
4. Difficulty Moving the Hip or Leg
A broken hip can make normal movement extremely difficult. A person may struggle to lift, bend, or reposition the affected leg.
Movement may cause significant pain, and the person may naturally keep the leg still to avoid worsening the discomfort.
Limited movement can also occur with other hip injuries, so this symptom alone cannot confirm a fracture. Medical examination and imaging are needed for diagnosis.
5. Swelling or Bruising Around the Hip
Swelling and bruising may develop around the hip, upper thigh, or nearby tissues after a fracture.
The amount of visible bruising can vary. Therefore, the absence of obvious bruising does not necessarily mean the hip is not fractured.
Severe pain and difficulty bearing weight are more important warning signs after an injury.
6. The Injured Leg Looks Shorter
In some hip fractures, particularly when the bone has shifted, the injured leg may appear shorter than the other leg.
This can be easier to notice when the person is lying down and both legs are compared. However, you should not attempt to straighten or reposition the leg yourself.
An apparent difference in leg length following a fall or injury is a reason for urgent medical evaluation.
7. The Leg or Foot Turns Outward
Another recognizable physical sign is an outward rotation of the leg or foot on the injured side.
This can occur when the fracture changes the normal alignment of the upper femur. A leg that suddenly appears to be positioned differently after an injury should not be forced back into place.
Keep the person as still and comfortable as possible while waiting for medical help.
Can You Have a Broken Hip and Still Walk?
Sometimes a hip fracture may not produce the classic appearance of a dramatically shortened or outward-turned leg. Some fractures may be less obvious, particularly when the broken bone has not significantly shifted.
This means being able to walk does not automatically rule out a fracture.
Persistent or significant hip or groin pain after a fall should be medically evaluated, especially in an older adult or someone with osteoporosis. A healthcare professional may use imaging to determine whether a fracture is present.
What Causes a Broken Hip?
Falls are a major cause of hip fractures, particularly among older adults. A fracture can also result from higher-impact injuries such as vehicle accidents or sports-related trauma.
In people with weakened bones, less force may be enough to cause a fracture.
Factors that can increase the risk include:
- Older age
- Osteoporosis or low bone density
- Previous fractures
- Poor balance
- Vision problems
- Muscle weakness
- Certain medications that increase fall risk or weaken bones
- Low levels of physical activity
- Poor nutrition
- Smoking
- Excessive alcohol use
Osteoporosis is especially important because it can weaken bones without causing noticeable symptoms until a fracture occurs.
When Are Signs of Broken Hip an Emergency?
A suspected hip fracture should be treated as an urgent medical problem.
Seek emergency medical care if someone has severe hip pain after a fall or injury, cannot stand or walk, or cannot put weight on the affected leg. Numbness or loss of feeling in the injured leg is another reason for urgent assessment.
Other concerning signs after a major injury can include an obvious deformity, severe swelling, heavy bleeding, or a limb that becomes numb or discolored.
Do not drive yourself if you have a suspected serious hip fracture. If the person cannot safely move, contact local emergency medical services.
What Should You Do If You Suspect a Broken Hip?
If you think someone may have fractured their hip:
- Keep the person still. Avoid unnecessary movement.
- Do not make them walk. Weight-bearing can increase pain and may worsen an injury.
- Do not straighten the leg. Leave it in the position in which you found it.
- Call for urgent medical help.
- Follow emergency responders’ instructions while waiting for assistance.
Avoid trying to diagnose the fracture at home. The symptoms can overlap with other injuries, and only a healthcare professional using an appropriate examination and imaging can confirm the diagnosis.
How Is a Broken Hip Diagnosed?
A healthcare professional will usually ask how the injury occurred and examine the hip and leg. They may assess pain, movement, leg position, and the person’s ability to bear weight.
An X-ray is commonly used to confirm a hip fracture and determine its location.
In some cases, a fracture may not be obvious on an initial X-ray. If significant symptoms remain despite a normal or unclear X-ray, additional imaging such as an MRI may be considered.
The exact testing depends on the person’s symptoms and clinical situation.
How Is a Hip Fracture Treated?
Treatment depends on the location and type of fracture as well as the person’s overall health, age, activity level, and other medical conditions.
Many hip fractures require surgery to repair the broken bone or replace part of the hip joint. Depending on the fracture, surgical treatment may involve screws, plates, rods, or other fixation methods. Some patients may require partial or total hip replacement.
After treatment, rehabilitation and physical therapy are often important parts of recovery. Healthcare professionals may also address pain control, nutrition, bone health, mobility, and fall prevention.
How Long Does It Take to Recover From a Broken Hip?
Recovery varies from person to person. The type of fracture, treatment, age, general health, muscle strength, and other medical conditions can all affect recovery.
Physical therapy may begin during the hospital stay or shortly afterward. A person may initially need a walker, crutches, or another mobility aid.
Following the healthcare team’s instructions is important. Recovery can take weeks to months, and some people may not regain exactly the same level of strength or mobility they had before the fracture.
How Can You Reduce the Risk of a Broken Hip?
Not every hip fracture can be prevented, but several measures can help reduce risk.
For people at risk of osteoporosis, maintaining bone health is important. Adequate calcium and vitamin D, appropriate weight-bearing activity, and medical evaluation for osteoporosis may be recommended depending on individual circumstances.
Fall prevention is also important. Keeping walkways clear, improving lighting, addressing vision problems, using appropriate mobility aids when recommended, and improving strength and balance can help reduce the risk of falls.
People taking medications that cause dizziness or affect balance should discuss possible side effects with their healthcare professional rather than stopping medication on their own.
