Hip Fracture:

• Most hip fractures occur to neck of the femur.

• In older adults the most common cause are falls.  In children and younger adults the most common causes are bike/car accidents or sports injury.  Most hip fractures are due to trauma unless underlying disease, such as osteoporosis, is present.

• Symptoms of a hip fracture include severe pain of a sudden onset in the groin, buttock, or down the leg, decrease range of motion, and inability to walk or weight bear through the involved leg.

• Most hip fractures require surgery to fix.  Surgery can range from having plates, screws, or rods in/around the broken area of the femur, to having a partial or full hip replacement.

Hip Replacement:

• Hip replacement surgery is used when an arthritic or painful hip is replaced by an artificial hip.  Surgery should be used when other treatment options are no longer controlling the symptoms from arthritis.

• There are a few different procedures used for a hip replacement, which are determined by the doctor who is performing the surgery.  The patient will first be put under general anesthesia.  Depending on the procedure used there will be one or two incisions.  The joint surfaces, including the acetabulum of the hip bone and the head of the femur, are replaced. 

• After the surgery minimal pain and swelling can be expected.  There are some restrictions after the surgery including limiting hip internal rotation, adduction, and flexion.

Iliotibial Band Syndrome (Snapping Hip Syndrome, Runner’s Knee):

• The iliotibial band, or IT band, is a thick tissue running along the outside of the thigh.  This band can become overdeveloped or tight, and rub against different bony protuberances on the femur.   

• A common cause of iliotibial band syndrome is overuse injuries, such as running or cycling.  This can also be caused by improper warm up, decreased flexibility, and having a tight iliotibial band.

• Symptoms can include pain in the knee or hip and snapping on the outside of the hip.  The pain generally gets better with rest.  


Bursitis:

• Bursae are small fluid filled sacs that cushion and lubrication between muscles, tendons, and bones.  Bursitis can occur in many areas throughout the hip, but the most common is trochanteric bursitis.

• Trochanteric bursitis can be caused by an acute injury, prolonged pressure on a bursa, or activities that require repeated twisting or rapid joint movement. These activities may lead to irritation or inflammation within the bursa. 

• Symptoms may include pain in the buttock, hip or outside of the thigh/knee, tender to the touch, swelling, redness, and warmth.