Get Expert Care for a Fractured or Broken Hip in Southern California

A hip fracture occurs when the top portion of the thigh bone breaks. Hip fractures are serious injuries, and a team of experts at Dignity Health Southern California is here to help.

To learn more about our personal treatment for a hip fracture or broken hip in Southern California, meet with one of our orthopedic specialists. To see a Dignity Health Southern California doctor who’s right for you, use our online search tool to Find a Doctor.

Symptoms of a Hip Fracture or Break

The primary symptom of a fractured hip is pain, which may be severe or achy and constant. Hip fracture symptoms and signs include:

  • Pain in the upper part of the thigh or groin
  • Swelling, bruising, and stiffness
  • Inability to put weight on the injured leg
  • Difficulty or inability to rotate or flex the hip
  • Injured leg appears shorter than the other (if the hip bone is completely broken)
  • Leg on the injured side is turned outward

Immobility caused by a hip fracture can lead to life-threatening complications, including blood clots in the leg or lungs, bedsores, urinary tract infections, and pneumonia. You should call 911 if you suspect a fractured hip.

Causes of a Hip Fracture or Break

The majority of hip fractures are caused by falls. Medical conditions, such as osteoporosis, cancer, and stress injuries can increase the risk of hip fracture. These conditions weaken the thigh bone, increasing the likelihood of fracture or break with a fall. Elderly women are most at risk for osteoporosis and falls.

Treatment for Hip Fracture at Dignity Health Southern California

Treatment for a hip injury will depend on the type and severity of the fracture or break. In many cases, hip surgery is necessary to repair a fractured hip. This may involve realigning the thighbone and stabilizing it with pins, screws, and plates. For more severe injuries, hip joint replacement surgery may be needed.

Once your procedure is over, you will have orthopedic rehabilitation to help you regain mobility and independence. This may include physical and occupational therapy. A full recovery from hip surgery can take anywhere from three to six months. 

You can find quality orthopedic care at any of our local hospitals:

Dignity Health offers the latest noninvasive therapies and minimally invasive surgical procedures for treating a fractured or broken hip in Southern California.