Treatment / Fractures / Hip Fracture Repair (ORIF)

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FRACTURES | LAS VEGAS

Hip Fracture Repair (ORIF)

Dr. Andrew Lee, MD | Nevada Spine Clinic, Las Vegas, Nevada

Understanding Hip Anatomy

The hip joint is formed by the femoral head and acetabulum. The femoral neck connects the femoral head to the shaft and is a common fracture location, particularly in older patients following falls. The femoral neck has limited inherent blood supply, making displaced fractures prone to avascular necrosis if not treated promptly and appropriately.


Dr. Andrew Lee at Nevada Spine Clinic and Southern Hills Hospital in Las Vegas evaluates each fracture individually to determine the most appropriate fixation strategy based on fracture pattern, bone quality, and patient goals.

Fracture Types and Patterns

  • Femoral Neck Fracture: Fracture through the femoral neck. Displaced fractures in older patients are typically treated with arthroplasty while younger patients may be treated with internal fixation.
  • Intertrochanteric Fracture: Fracture through the region between the greater and lesser trochanters, treated with a sliding hip screw or intramedullary nail.
  • Subtrochanteric Fracture: Fracture below the lesser trochanter requiring intramedullary nail fixation.

When Surgery Is Required

Hip fractures are surgical emergencies in patients who are medically able to tolerate surgery. Prolonged immobility from untreated hip fractures carries significant risk of pneumonia, blood clots, pressure sores, and death in elderly patients. Dr. Andrew Lee treats hip fractures urgently at Southern Hills Hospital in Las Vegas to allow early mobilization.

Hip Fracture Repair (ORIF)

Open reduction and internal fixation of hip fractures restores alignment and provides stable fixation allowing early weight bearing. The specific implant used depends on the fracture pattern. Intertrochanteric fractures are typically fixed with an intramedullary nail or sliding hip screw. Femoral neck fractures may be fixed with cannulated screws or treated with hip replacement depending on the patient’s age and fracture displacement.

The primary goals of this procedure are to:
  • Restore hip alignment and stability
  • Allow early weight bearing to prevent immobility complications
  • Relieve fracture pain
  • Return to independent ambulation

Potential Risks

  • Infection: Fracture fixation carries infection risk. Preventive antibiotics are given and proper wound care is essential during recovery.
  • Nonunion: The fracture may fail to heal requiring additional surgical intervention.
  • Malunion: The fracture may heal in a non-anatomic position affecting function.
  • Hardware complications: Implant loosening or breakage may require revision.
  • Post-traumatic arthritis: Joint fractures can lead to accelerated arthritis despite optimal treatment.
  • Nerve or vascular injury: Risk varies by fracture location and surgical approach.

Postoperative Recovery

Recovery depends on fracture severity, fixation achieved, and patient factors. Dr. Andrew Lee at Nevada Spine Clinic in Las Vegas provides individualized rehabilitation guidance to optimize bone healing and functional recovery.

Weight bearing restrictions and activity timelines are determined at follow-up appointments based on fracture healing progress on imaging.

What to Expect After Surgery

Pain decreases progressively as healing occurs over six to twelve weeks. Functional recovery continues for three to six months following surgery. Dr. Lee monitors healing with imaging at regular follow-up visits.

Most patients return to independent daily activity within six to twelve weeks, with full recovery over three to six months depending on fracture complexity and patient factors.

Do not soak your wound.

No bathtub, swimming, or hot tub until cleared by Dr. Lee.

Wound Care and Medication Management

Follow all wound care instructions at discharge. Avoid soaking the incision in water until cleared by Dr. Lee. Pat the wound dry after showering and apply a clean bandage.

Monitor the incision for increasing redness, warmth, swelling, or drainage and contact Nevada Spine Clinic immediately if any of these occur. Prescription refills require forty-eight hours advance notice.

Activity Guidelines After Surgery

Follow the specific weight bearing restrictions provided by Dr. Lee. These are individualized to your fracture pattern and the fixation achieved at surgery. Do not bear weight beyond prescribed limits until cleared at follow-up.

Contact Nevada Spine Clinic or go to the nearest emergency room for fever, sudden increase in pain, inability to bear weight as previously tolerated, or wound concerns.

CALL US IF YOU EXPERIENCE

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No bathtub, swimming, or hot tub until cleared by Dr. Lee.

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Dr. Andrew Lee, MD | Nevada Spine Clinic, Las Vegas

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