Modern methods of treating hip fractures
Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 14, 2026
Treatment with Locking Intramedullary Nailing for Intertrochanteric Fracture of the Femur Utilizing a New Awl with a Distal Positioner
Published on: June 6, 2025
Martyn J Parker1, Kurinchi Gurusamy
1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Peterborough District Hospital, Peterborough, UK. mjparker@doctors.org.uk
Insights
Nearly all hip fractures can be surgically treated with modern techniques. Current implants offer effective hip fracture fixation and replacement, with early mobilization improving patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Geriatric Medicine
- Trauma Surgery
Background:
- Hip fractures are common, particularly in the elderly.
- Surgical and anesthetic advancements have improved treatment outcomes.
- Established implants have been used for decades, with recent improvements in surgical techniques.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current surgical and anesthetic management of hip fractures.
- To evaluate the efficacy of different implants and surgical approaches.
- To provide guidance on post-operative mobilization protocols.
Main Methods:
- Review of contemporary surgical and anesthetic practices for hip fractures.
- Analysis of implant choices for internal fixation and arthroplasty.
- Assessment of evidence for various treatment options based on fracture type and patient age.
- Evaluation of post-operative weight-bearing and movement restrictions.
Main Results:
- Internal fixation is preferred for undisplaced intracapsular and younger patient fractures.
- Hemiarthroplasty is common for displaced intracapsular fractures in the elderly.
- Sliding hip screws are standard for trochanteric fractures; intramedullary nails are emerging.
- Limited evidence supports advanced arthroplasty designs over traditional ones.
- Early unrestricted mobilization is recommended post-surgery.
Conclusions:
- Modern surgical techniques allow near-universal surgical treatment of hip fractures.
- Implant selection depends on fracture type and patient demographics.
- Early mobilization without restrictions is safe and beneficial post-hip fracture surgery.
Abstract:
Contemporary surgical and anaesthetic methods should enable almost all hip fractures to be treated surgically. Many of the implants used for the internal fixation of hip fractures or the arthroplasties for replacement of the hip joint have been in use for over 50 years. Marked improvements in surgical technique have led to lower fracture and surgical complications. Undisplaced intracapsular fractures and displaced fractures in the younger patient are best treated by internal fixation. For the elderly with a displaced intracapsular fracture then hemiarthroplasty is generally used. There is insufficient evidence that total hip replacements or bipolar hemiarthroplasties have any advantage over the more traditional designs. For trochanteric fractures the sliding hip screw remains the implant of choice, although the newer intramedullary nails are valuable for more specific fracture types and their use will become more common. Following surgery almost all patients should be allowed to mobilize without any restrictions on weight bearing or hip movements.
