Bone Related Conditions 

Injury Information

Fractured Neck of Femur

Fractured neck of femur is only common in the elderly, especially in women suffering from osteoporosis. This fracture will occur as a result of a fall onto or blow to the hip. It is possible for younger individuals to sustain this injury as a result of a fall on the hip during sports such as ice skating or cycling. The injured leg may appear shortened and rotated outwards following injury.

 

Hip Joint Osteoarthritis

Acute inflammation or long-term degeneration (osteoarthritis) of the hip joint, in the middle aged to elderly, may cause hip pain and/or referral of pain to the groin region. Pain will be a continuous ache in the hip and groin aggravated by loading of the hip joints such as with jumping, running or walking or during hip joint movement especially with backward movement of the leg. There may also be intermittent locking of the hip joint.

Injury Treatment 

Early Injury Management

For approximately the first 72 hours following an injury, the RICE regime should be followed to ensure control of inflammation and pain relief.

R - Rest
I - Ice
C - Compression
E - Elevation
Rest from aggravating activity.
Ice should be applied in the first 72 hours or when inflammation persists. Ice should be applied for 15 to 20 minutes at a time. Ice should not be applied directly to the skin, but through a wet towel or cloth.
Compression can be achieved with an elastic bandage.
Elevation is used to help swelling to return to the heart through the blood stream.
The injured area should be elevated above the level of the heart.

Top

Exercises

Strengthening programs should only be commenced when:

The injury is not painful to touch.
The injury is not painful in the morning.
The injury is not painful to stretch.
The injury is not painful with light to moderate exercise.

Exercises should be 3 sets of 8-12 repetitions.

Top

Stretches

Stretches

• Stretches to be held for three sets of 20 to 30 seconds
• A light warm-up such as walking, exercise bike, or range of movement exercises (moving the joint through a gentle, comfortable range) for five to ten minutes, should be undergone before stretching
• Stretches should be held just at the first point of tension.
• Stretching should be slow and gentle and no excessive tension or discomfort should be felt during stretching.
• Stretches can be done to help treat an injury but should also be done before and after exercise.

Top