Introduction

Hip fracture, may occur in the femoral head, neck or in the intertrochanteric line. It is one of the most important causes of morbidity and mortality in elderly patients and it affects the physical, mental, functional and social equilibrium of these patients.

Up to 50% of patients with hip fracture die in the first six months after the injury and many those who survive don´t recover their previous level of independence and functionality. Early surgical resolution diminishes mortality and complications. Every two days that the surgery is postponed doubles the risk of death.

Case report study

A 74-year-old female patient who presented a fall from her own height, is rendered incapable of walking and presents progressive pain in her right hip. She consults an orthopedic doctor for examination 42 days after the fall.

Physical examination: right pelvic lower limb with an external rotation and a 1 cm shortness, hip mobility arches limited by pain. Muscle group strength was not examined because of the pain. An AP x-ray of the pelvis was performed that showed a simple trace at subcapital level on the right hip. A total arthroplasty of the right hip was performed 52 days after the patient’s fall.

Conclusions

Hip fracture is a common problem in elderly patients and is associated with a high morbimortality. It is important to handle these cases early to diminish the risk of complications and mortality.

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