These usually occur in older patients and are associated with osteoporosis. They may, however, occur in younger patients. They are nearly always treated surgically as this is the only way to mobilise patients early. Without surgery, the risks are very high; furthermore, patients find even simple tasks such as rolling in bed or getting on a bed pan extremely painful.
The surgery required depends on the exact location of the fracture in the hip; there are other factors in the decision making, including the age of the patient.
Sometimes, the fracture can be managed with a hip screw which may also include a plate with extra screws. This allows for the bone to heal itself. Sometimes, however, the bone may not heal and this may require further surgery.
Other times, a hip replacement may be needed (whether this is partial or complete depends on multiple factors but is often decided on a case by case basis).
After surgery, it is important to mobilise (walk and sit out of bed) early. The more proactive the patient (and family) is, the better the outcome. Early mobilisation reduces the risks of: blood clots, pressure sores, infection, pneumonia etc. It also allows a better and faster recovery which improves the patient's likelihood to return to previous function.
The recovery, after these fractures, is variable and can take many months.
