Geriatric hip fractures are fractures in the upper-third of the thigh bone (femur) and/or around the hip joint sustained by elderly adults as a result of a fall.
Hip fractures in seniors often require a higher complexity of care due to additional health concerns such as weakened bones and fragility, loss of muscle mass and balance instability. Even a low-impact fall for an active senior with one or some of these issues could result in a severe hip fracture.
The moment a senior falls and fractures their hip, the clock starts to tick. It is important to treat a hip fracture as soon as possible — not doing so can significantly increase complications.
Meet the team of experts who specialize in geriatric hip fracture treatment
Expedited Surgical Care: Geriatric Hip Fracture Alert
Because hip fractures in seniors are very common and time-sensitive, we have established a system-wide alert that brings together a team of specialists ready to treat you or your loved one. This alert system is specific to Penn for treating hip fractures and is the only of its kind in the region.
Our dedicated geriatric hip fracture team includes many medical professionals across nearly a dozen specialties. Once you are admitted, you will likely be treated by a combination of specialized doctors and clinicians. You may speak with, and receive care from, emergency physicians, orthopaedic surgeons, hospitalists, nurses, anesthesiologists, geriatricians and pharmacologists — along with physiatrists, physical therapists and even social workers — to ensure your best recovery.
Can I transfer to Penn for geriatric hip fracture surgery or treatment?
Even if you were initially admitted through another hospital’s emergency department, you can be transferred to the hospital of your choice to treat your geriatric hip fracture.
If you or your loved one has already been brought to another facility and you would like to be transferred to Penn Medicine for treatment or surgery, start the transfer process by speaking with your attending doctor and asking to be transferred to Penn.
Geriatric Hip Fracture Surgery Process
Here’s what to expect during geriatric hip fracture surgery at Penn Medicine.
Admission and Diagnosis
Upon admission, an orthopaedic evaluation will determine the patient's diagnosis. Once a diagnosis is made, the members of the geriatric hip fracture team are alerted to prepare the patient for surgery.
Before Surgery
Once we determine if surgery is the right treatment approach, we recommend that the patient go on bed rest and usually send for standard tests and imaging. We'll go over details about the treatment plan and surgical process, answer questions and discuss any concerns with the patient.
Immediately before surgery, patients receive anesthesia along with other post-operative medication for pre- and post-surgery pain management.
Recovery, Discharge and Rehabilitation
Most patients are able to walk with little assistance on the day of discharge, and are usually encouraged to move around following surgery. The doctors, clinical team and physical therapists will check in on the patient with daily post-operative visits until they are discharged.
A care coordinator will help prepare patient transportation back home or to a care facility for rehabilitation. The patient leaves here with a full recovery treatment plan, including a list of medications and directions for physical therapy arrangements.
For more information on geriatric hip fractures, read What to Do When A Loved One Has a Geriatric Hip Fracture,