Complications of Hip Fracture

Complications of Hip Fracture

Serious complications can result from a hip fracture. A patient may have to remain in traction for a specified period of time after surgery. Blood clots can occur in the veins, usually in the legs. If a clot breaks off, it can travel to a blood vessel in the lung. This blockage, called a pulmonary embolism, can be fatal.

Other complications can include:

• Pneumonia
• Muscle atrophy (wasting of muscle tissue)
• Post-operative infection
• Non-union or improper union of the bone
• Mental deterioration following surgery in older patients
• Bedsores from lying in the same position with minimal movement

With some fractures, blood cannot circulate properly to the femoral head, resulting in a loss of blood supply to this area. This is called femoral vascular necrosis or avascular necrosis. This complication may occur depending on the type of fracture and the anatomy of a person's blood supply to the head of the femur bone. This is more common with femoral neck fractures.