Hip Fractures: A Practical Approach to Diagnosis and Treatment

Abstract

Purpose of Review

To summarize relevant anatomy, imaging, and treatment of hip fractures, and to synthesize a treatment-based approach for description and classification of hip fractures.

Recent Findings

Hip fractures are predominantly seen in the elderly, where they are increasing in incidence, and can substantially reduce healthy life-years. The osseous and vascular anatomy of the proximal femur can help to understand the clinical implications of various types of hip fracture. Radiographs are the principal imaging modality for assessment of hip fracture, although there is a clear role for CT and MRI for assessment of radiographically occult fractures. There are multiple classifications of hip fractures in the orthopedic literature; however, these are not commonly used in clinical practice due to complexity, poor reported inter-observer agreement, and relatively few methods of surgical fixation.

Summary

A simplified anatomic and treatment-based approach to hip fractures can help guide image interpretation and clinical management.