Query about breaking your hip bone and recovery

[VladmirsPoutine]

I'm wondering how long it would take to recover from breaking or rather fracturing the ball and socket joint in your hips following a bad fall? Google tells me recovery could be anywhere between 6- 12 weeks, but of course it's not an exact science. Would it require surgery or could it repair itself through physiotherapy alone?

This is the current state one of my ex-clients but she doesn't speak English fluently enough to explain the issues to her social worker so I'm temporarily translating albeit not in a professional capacity. Prior to her recent accident she already had pre-existing back problems but was able to get out and about. Is it feasible that someone could have a fracture somewhere along their spine yet not notice it? I know that it's possible to break a bone and not notice it immediately but I've always thought a fracture anywhere along the spine would render you completely immobile?

Fractured femur requires surgery. Ideally within 24 hours of admission. In the interim the person should be made as fit as possible for surgery - manage anaemia and reduce risk of clots, manage pain etc. Most patients should be helped to walk the day after surgery. They’re usually discharged about 7-10 days post operatively dependent on how frail they are.

Are they not in hospital already with a fractured hip?

She is currently in hospital Cherry.

Can you arrange to be at the hospital when the doctors are doing their rounds so you can ask somebody who knows the specifics of the case??

The hospital need to arrange a translator. They all have access to them. The hospital should also have already started looking at discharge arrangements in discussions with the social worker and already be sorting a care package. Speak to the hospital social worker with your neighbours consent.

It is possible to walk & mobilise with a broken vertebrae, as long as the fracture is stable conservative management is often favoured (not for the neck obviously)!
It is also possible to mobilise of a fractured hip as when the fracture occurs there is often impaction (bone squashed into itself) and this although painful can occasionally be walked on
Fractured hips require surgery because of loss of blood supply to the bone caused by the fracture which will ultimately lead to bone death if not repaired