A broken hip is one of the most serious injuries an older adult can face. It often happens after a simple fall at home, such as tripping on a rug or slipping in the bathroom. Hip fracture recovery takes time, but knowing what to expect helps patients and families plan ahead. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 300,000 older adults are hospitalized for hip fractures each year in the United States, and most of these fractures are caused by falls.
The good news is that with prompt surgery and good rehab, many people regain much of their independence. Hip fracture recovery is a team effort that includes surgeons, therapists, and family. This guide explains how hip fractures are treated, what recovery looks like week by week, and how families can help a loved one heal and avoid another fall.
What Is a Hip Fracture?
A hip fracture is a break in the upper part of the thighbone (femur), near where it meets the pelvis. The two most common types are femoral neck fractures, which happen just below the ball of the hip joint, and intertrochanteric fractures, which happen a little lower down. The type and location of the break guide how it is treated.
Signs of a hip fracture include severe pain in the hip or groin, being unable to stand or put weight on the leg, and a leg that looks shorter or turns outward. Anyone with these signs after a fall needs emergency care. Learn more on our hip fracture page.
Why Hip Fractures Happen
Weak bones from osteoporosis are the biggest risk factor. Other factors include poor balance, muscle weakness, vision problems, certain medicines that cause dizziness, and hazards at home. Women have a higher risk than men, and risk goes up with age.
Why Fast Care Matters
Hip fractures are more than a broken bone. For older adults, being stuck in bed even for a few days can quickly lead to weaker muscles, confusion, and other medical problems. That is why hospitals and surgeons work to get patients medically ready and into surgery as soon as it is safe. Families can help by bringing a list of the patient's medicines, health conditions, and allergies to the hospital.
How Hip Fractures Are Treated
Almost all hip fractures are treated with surgery. Surgery allows patients to get out of bed sooner, which lowers the risk of problems like pneumonia, blood clots, bed sores, and muscle loss. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) clinical practice guideline for hip fractures in older adults notes that surgery within 24 to 48 hours of hospital admission may be associated with better outcomes.
Types of Surgery
The type of surgery depends on the fracture. Some breaks are held together with screws, or with a plate or rod and screws, while the bone heals. Other breaks, especially displaced femoral neck fractures in older adults, are treated by replacing part or all of the hip joint. A partial replacement replaces just the ball, and a total hip replacement replaces both the ball and socket. Our fractures and trauma team treats all types of hip fractures.
Hip Fracture Recovery Timeline
Every patient is different, but most people follow a similar path.
In the Hospital
Physical therapy often begins the day after surgery. In many cases, patients are allowed to put as much weight on the leg as is comfortable right away. A therapist will help the patient sit up, stand, and take a few steps with a walker. Pain control, preventing blood clots, and watching for confusion (delirium), which is common in older adults after surgery, are key parts of hospital care. Most patients stay in the hospital for a few days.
Rehab After the Hospital
Many patients go to an inpatient rehab facility or a skilled nursing facility for more intensive therapy before going home. Others go home with home health therapy. The goal is to rebuild strength, balance, and the ability to walk, climb stairs, bathe, and dress safely.
The First Three Months
During the first few months, patients usually progress from a walker to a cane, then to walking without help if possible. Exercises focus on hip and leg strength, balance, and endurance. Recovery from a hip fracture is often slower than recovery from a planned hip replacement, because patients are often older and the injury was sudden.
Six Months to a Year
Strength and walking can continue to improve for six months to a year. Some people return to their prior level of activity, while others need ongoing support with walking aids or help at home. Staying active and continuing exercises after formal therapy ends makes a big difference.
How Families Can Support Hip Fracture Recovery
Family members play a big role in recovery. Here are practical ways to help.
Encourage movement. Help your loved one follow the therapy plan and walk several times a day. Bed rest slows recovery.
Make the home safe. Remove loose rugs and clutter, add night lights, install grab bars in the bathroom, and use a shower chair and raised toilet seat. Keep everyday items within easy reach.
Support good nutrition. Protein, calcium, and vitamin D help bone and muscle healing. Many older adults eat poorly after surgery, so offer small, frequent meals and snacks.
Review medicines. Ask the doctor or pharmacist whether any medicines cause dizziness or drowsiness that could lead to another fall.
Watch for warning signs. Call the doctor for increasing hip pain, fever, redness or drainage from the incision, calf swelling, chest pain, or shortness of breath.
Preventing the Next Fracture
A hip fracture is often the first sign of osteoporosis. After a fracture, ask about a bone density test and treatment to strengthen bones. Balance and strength exercises, such as tai chi, lower the risk of future falls. Regular vision checks and proper footwear help too.
Caring for the Caregiver
Helping a loved one recover from a hip fracture can be tiring, both physically and emotionally. Ask the hospital team about home health services, equipment such as a walker and shower chair, and community resources before discharge. Share the load with other family members when you can, and take breaks. Keep a simple notebook with medicines, therapy exercises, appointment dates, and questions for the care team. Going to follow-up visits together helps everyone stay on the same page and makes it easier to spot problems early.
Conclusion
A hip fracture is a serious injury, but prompt surgery, early walking, and steady rehab help many older adults return home and regain independence. Families can make a real difference by encouraging movement, making the home safer, and making sure bone health is addressed. Our hip care team treats patients from Pomona, Claremont, La Verne, and across the Pomona Valley, and follow-up care is available close to home at our Pomona office.
If you're experiencing hip pain after a fall or questions about hip fracture recovery, the team at Garey Orthopedic Medical Group is here to help. We offer same-day and next-day appointments for new patients. Visit gareyortho.com or call us to schedule today.