Hip Fracture Doctor in Westchester County, NY
A hip fracture can be a life-changing injury, especially for older adults. If you or someone you love is dealing with a hip fracture, it’s important to get the right care quickly to restore mobility.
The caring orthopedic team at Specialty Orthopaedics has years of experience dealing with hip fractures. Our board-certified physicians have training from some of the nation’s top orthopedic institutions, plus years of experience treating a wide range of hip conditions. They offer custom treatment options in Harrison, New York, to get you back on your feet and moving pain-free.
What Is a Hip Fracture?
A hip fracture is a break in the upper portion of the femur (thigh bone), typically near where it fits into the hip socket. It requires immediate care from a physician specializing in hip conditions.
Anyone can experience a hip fracture, but they are most common in older adults due to weakened bones. As your bones lose strength with age, even a minor fall or impact can result in a fracture. The loss of balance or impaired vision can further increase your risk of falling.
What Causes a Hip Fracture?
The most common cause of a hip fracture is falling down, especially for those with weak bones. However, other possible causes and risk factors that may lead to a broken hip include:
- Motor vehicle accidents
- High-impact sports
- Sudden twisting movement
- Prior hip injury
- Prior hip surgery complication
What Are the Symptoms of a Hip Fracture?
If you experience any of the following broken hip symptoms, visit one of our skilled providers who can assess your injury:
- Severe hip pain
- Hip stiffness, swelling, or bruising
- Inability to get up after falling
- One shorter leg
- Leg turning inward
- Inability to bear weight on the hip
- Difficulty standing or walking
How Is a Hip Fracture Diagnosed?
The hip specialists at Specialty Orthopaedics can help you determine what is causing your hip pain during a simple in-office visit.
During this visit, we’ll ask about the level of your hip pain, its location, and when the pain started. We’ll also discuss your past hip injuries and any other relevant medical issues.
Then, we’ll conduct a physical exam of your hip to look for signs of a fracture. In many cases, we’ll also need to conduct imaging tests to determine the severity of your fracture. These tests might include:
- X-rays
- CT scans
- MRI scans
How Is a Hip Fracture Treated?
Your hip is a large joint that you rely on to help you walk, balance, and stand. Because your hip is so vital to your everyday functions, you may need surgery to restore your full hip function.
At Specialty Orthopaedics, we offer several innovative treatment options for a broken hip, such as:
Partial Hip Replacement
A partial hip replacement is not less invasive than a total hip replacement, despite common assumptions. It is a major procedure typically recommended for patients who have a hip fracture but still have a healthy hip socket.
During a partial hip replacement, we only replace the femoral head, the top part of the femur that fits into the hip socket. We attach the new prosthetic femoral head, made of ceramic or metal, to a metal stem that we place into the center of the femur.
The stem is either secured with bone cement or designed with a porous surface that allows natural bone to grow into it and anchor the implant in place.
Total Hip Replacement
Total hip replacement involves replacing both the femoral head and the hip socket to restore pain-free joint movement. The femoral head is replaced with a prosthetic ball made of ceramic or metal, while a durable plastic liner is implanted into the natural socket to create a new joint surface.
By replacing both components, total hip replacement provides greater stability, reduces friction, and offers better long-term results compared to partial replacement.
Revision Hip Surgery
Revision hip surgery repairs an artificial hip joint that’s been damaged over time, either from normal wear and tear or from infection. The goal is to restore proper hip function and stability.
While advances in technology have improved the durability of hip implants, most artificial joints last around 20 years. Over time, everyday use can cause the prosthesis to loosen or become less effective, making revision surgery necessary.
Infections around the joint can also lead to tissue damage affecting muscles, tendons, ligaments, and even the bone. In these cases, revision surgery helps remove the infection and rebuild the strength and function of the hip.
How Do I Know Which Procedure I’ll Need for My Hip?
During your consultation, your doctor will recommend the procedure that best fits your specific needs. In general, total hip replacement tends to yield better long-term results, especially for pain relief and joint durability. This is because the new femoral head moves more smoothly within the prosthetic socket.
We may consider partial hip replacement if you have a fracture but still have healthy hip cartilage and no underlying arthritis. In this procedure, we only replace the top of the femur and leave the natural socket intact.
While partial replacements offer more stability due to the larger size of the prosthetic ball, the outcomes can be less predictable over time. This is because the artificial femoral head moves against natural cartilage, which can eventually wear down and cause pain.
Revision hip surgery may become necessary if problems develop after an initial replacement. This can happen if the natural cartilage deteriorates following a partial replacement or if an infection affects the joint and surrounding tissues.
Why Choose Specialty Orthopaedics?
At Specialty Orthopaedics, our hip specialist is Dr. Steven Zelicof, who happens to be one of the most experienced joint surgeons in the region. With more than three decades of experience, Dr. Zelicof is known for his expertise in hip replacement, revision surgery, and arthritis treatment. He was one of the first surgeons in the New York area to perform Mako robotic-assisted hip surgery and hip resurfacing and continues to lead advancements in minimally invasive techniques.
Patients trust Dr. Zelicof for his credentials, but also for the time he spends explaining options and building a plan that fits each person’s needs. You can expect to receive personalized care rooted in orthopedic research and delivered with absolute precision.
Frequently Asked Questions
At Specialty Orthopaedics, our team will walk you through what to expect in your recovery from hip replacement or hip revision surgery. We will closely monitor your healing progress with X-rays and regular follow-up visits. Every patient is different, but most patients can return to activities like walking, cycling, or playing golf within about 12 weeks. Some may need up to six months, depending on their healing rates. Physical therapy is a key part of the process. Staying committed to your prescribed exercises can make a significant difference in how quickly and successfully you recover. As you would assume, the costs of your surgery will be based on your unique situation. Partial hip replacement may cost less than full replacement. The same can be true with revision surgery, but this isn’t always the case. Once we see you for a consultation, we can give you an idea of what the costs will be. We will also be able to estimate your out-of-pocket costs, depending on your insurance provider. In most cases, hip fractures require surgery to restore mobility and reduce the risk of complications. However, non-surgical treatment may be considered in rare situations, typically for patients who are medically unable to undergo surgery or who have non-displaced fractures. These cases are usually managed with bed rest, pain management, and physical therapy, though outcomes are generally less favorable than with surgical treatment. Yes, hip fractures and their treatment can lead to complications, especially in older adults. Potential issues include blood clots, infections, delayed healing, implant loosening, or reduced mobility. Surgery carries its own risks, such as anesthesia-related problems or dislocation of the prosthetic joint. Prompt treatment, rehabilitation, and close medical follow-up help reduce the likelihood of these complications. While not all hip fractures are avoidable, there are steps that can lower the risk, especially in older adults. Fall prevention strategies, routine vision checks, regular exercise to improve balance, and managing medications that affect coordination can all help. You can also try to strengthen your bones through diet, supplements, or medications to help reduce fracture risk in those with osteoporosis. Maintaining bone health and preventing falls are key. Helpful changes include: Some hip surgeries, including certain hip replacements, can be performed using minimally invasive techniques. These approaches involve smaller incisions and may lead to less tissue damage, reduced pain, and a faster recovery. However, not all patients or fracture types are candidates for minimally invasive procedures. Your surgeon will determine the best approach based on your condition and health status. After surgery, physical therapy is essential to restore strength, flexibility, and balance. Common exercises may include: Yes, although less common, hip fractures can occur in children or young adults, typically due to high-impact trauma such as car accidents, sports injuries, or falls from height. These fractures are often treated surgically and may involve different considerations than fractures in older adults, such as growth plate involvement or long-term joint preservation.How Long Is Recovery From Hip Replacement?
How Much Does a Hip Replacement Cost?
Can Hip Fractures Be Treated Without Surgery?
Are There Complications Associated With Hip Fractures or Their Treatment?
Can Hip Fractures Be Prevented?
What Lifestyle Changes Can Reduce the Risk of Hip Fractures?
Is Hip Fracture Surgery Minimally Invasive?
What Exercises Help Strengthen Hips After a Fracture?
Can Children or Young Adults Suffer From Hip Fractures?
Schedule Your Hip Consultation Today!
If you are experiencing symptoms of a hip fracture, visit Specialty Orthopaedics. Our New York orthopedic practice is home to a team of fellowship-trained orthopedists in a variety of specialty areas. We offer treatment for musculoskeletal disorders in a caring and responsive clinical atmosphere.
Give us a call at 914-686-0111 or fill out the form on this page to schedule your appointment today.
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