Hip Fractures

Hip fractures are also referred to as fractures of the hip joint, the pelvis, or the upper part of the femur (thigh bone). The term “fracture” is synonymous with a broken bone. This clarification is important because many patients ask whether a fracture is the same as a break or a crack in the bone. The entire medical community places particular emphasis on hip fractures and their treatment.

Fractures in this area of the body are among the most devastating injuries for humans, which is why orthopedic research has focused significant scientific interest on their management. Hip fractures are very often osteoporotic fractures. With the global increase in life expectancy, the incidence of hip fractures is expected to triple in the coming years, particularly among older individuals.

This represents a major medical issue with often serious and far-reaching consequences. In Greece alone, more than 15,000 such fractures occur annually, and over 3,000 people lose their lives each year as a result of this injury. They occur most frequently in patients over the age of 65, typically following a simple fall to the ground. In younger individuals—especially those with healthy bones—a hip fracture usually results from a fall from a height greater than two meters.

Dr. Konstantinos Dretakis is considered one of the most specialized physicians in this field worldwide. He has authored a doctoral dissertation specifically on this subject, which is internationally recognized and regarded as a reference point in Europe and the United States. His research work has been published in the journal Calcified Tissue International (USA).

In cases of hip fracture, it is crucial that the patient receives prompt treatment—ideally within the first 24 hours after the injury—by an experienced and specialized medical team. The safety and overall health of the patient must always remain the primary priority.

Hip fractures are generally considered injuries related to osteoporosis, and the average age of affected patients is approximately 79 years. However, no one is completely exempt from the possibility of sustaining a hip fracture, as for many individuals it represents the first and only indication that they have osteoporosis or fragile bones.

Hip fractures are generally considered injuries related to osteoporosis, and the average age of affected patients is approximately 79 years. However, no one is completely exempt from the possibility of sustaining a hip fracture, as for many individuals it represents the first and only indication that they have osteoporosis or fragile bones.

Hip fractures carry the poorest prognosis among all types of fractures, as mentioned previously, because they primarily occur in older individuals. Approximately 30% of patients who sustain a hip fracture—meaning 3 out of 10—will lose their lives within the first year following the injury.

Furthermore, patients who survive and undergo treatment may lose a small or significant degree of mobility for an extended period of time. Early restoration of mobility is crucial for the patient’s recovery, as prolonged bed rest can lead to a wide range of serious medical complications.

The most common symptoms of a hip fracture include severe pain, inability to bear weight or walk, and, in many cases, a noticeable shortening of the affected leg with external rotation. Swelling and bruising around the site of injury often appear during the first few days following the fracture.

Surgical treatment is necessary. If not treated promptly, a patient with a hip fracture may never regain the ability to walk. Timing plays a crucial role in the success of treatment. Numerous modern studies have demonstrated that one of the most important factors for achieving the best possible outcome is immediate surgical intervention.

Total hip arthroplasty should ideally be performed within the first 24 to 48 hours following the injury. The risk of severe complications—such as thrombosis, infections, pressure sores—increases significantly if the patient does not seek surgical treatment promptly, and rises dramatically as valuable time passes.

Rapid mobilization—helping the patient return to an upright position and normal walking—is a primary medical objective. The hip fracture management team we have established has surgically treated all patients within the first 24 hours, resulting in patients being able to stand again within 72 hours, thereby avoiding serious respiratory, cardiac, and other complications.

Expertise in modern surgical techniques significantly reduces operative time and blood loss. Postoperative physiotherapy and rehabilitation are carried out by an experienced team, while each patient’s progress is monitored weekly by the surgeon. Finally, the administration of osteoporosis treatment addresses the underlying cause that led to the fracture, restoring bone strength. In this way, future fractures are prevented, and the patient’s overall health and balance are safeguarded.

The management of each case by a specialized team is of great importance for the success of both the surgery and the rehabilitation process. Dr. K. Dretakis is a highly specialized physician with many years of experience in hip fractures. He has completed a PhD dissertation on hip fractures, with published results in leading scientific journals in the United States and Europe.

The Second Orthopedic Clinic, directed by K. Dretakis, includes physicians with extensive experience in managing complex and high-risk hip fracture cases. Such examples include patients with serious medical conditions, those receiving anticoagulant therapy, and individuals with pre-existing mobility limitations.

Beyond timely surgical intervention, early mobilization and close collaboration with a specialized physiotherapy team are extremely important. Daily communication between the treating physician and the physiotherapy team has a highly positive impact on comprehensive patient recovery.

Postoperative follow-up in patients with hip fractures is essential. The administration of vitamins and appropriate medications can prevent the progression of osteoporosis and the decline in muscle function, thereby reducing the risk of subsequent fractures.

Prevention begins at the foundation and is the best form of treatment. Consuming foods rich in calcium, along with calcium and vitamin D supplements, improves bone density, making the skeleton more resistant to falls and impacts. Dairy products, green leafy vegetables, legumes, and seeds such as sesame or chia are rich in calcium and therefore help protect the body. An intake of approximately 700 mg of calcium per day is usually sufficient for healthy adults, while this amount should be almost doubled after the age of 65.

In this way, bones become less prone to devastating fractures that can lead to prolonged immobility and suffering. Additionally, regular exercise and muscle strengthening “fortify” the bones and joints, significantly reducing the likelihood of such injuries.

Konstantinos Dretakis and his experienced scientific team treat all patients with hip fractures within the first 24 hours, with very few exceptions. At the Second Orthopedic Clinic of Hygeia Hospital, patients have been transferred from other hospitals after being unable to undergo surgery for various reasons; they were treated promptly and are now in good health.

Combined with our specialized expertise, the four key factors that distinguish our team in the management of hip fractures and lead to improved outcomes are:

Time is a crucial ally in the management of hip fractures. To prevent cardiopulmonary complications and thrombosis, treatment must be immediate, with each new case ideally operated on within 24 to 48 hours.

This approach ensures faster recovery and minimizes postoperative pain.

With appropriate support and monitoring, the patient returns quickly to normal activities, which significantly aids recovery.

Regular exercise and movement protect patients from potential future falls. Muscle strength and balance are particularly protective in elderly individuals, whose bones are more fragile and susceptible to injury.