What is surgery to repair a hip fracture?
Surgery for a hip fracture repairs a broken hip bone. Broken hips are often caused by a fall or other injury. Some kinds of broken bones heal on their own in a cast. But a broken hip is not likely to heal well without surgery. The doctor makes one or two cuts (incisions) over the broken bone in your hip and moves the pieces of bone back into the right position. Then the doctor uses metal pins, screws, rods, or plates to hold the pieces together while the bone heals. During the surgery, the doctor may use X-rays to see if the pins and plate are in the correct place. After the pieces of bone are lined up, the doctor stitches or staples the incision closed. The incisions leave scars that fade with time. You will be asleep during the surgery or will have medicine put into your spine to numb your hip. You will not feel pain. Afterward, you will probably stay in the hospital for 2 to 4 days. Your rehabilitation program (rehab) starts when you are still in the hospital and continues for 6 mon
