Hip Fractures: Treatment and Prevention

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About the Course
Each year, over 250,000 people are hospitalized for hip fractures, and some of these individuals will never fully regain their prior level of function: they may require assistance to walk, and a few will even need to go to a nursing home. The physical therapist is an essential partner to assist patients in preserving, improving and maintaining the current levels of functioning within their daily lives. This course will provide an overview on the three main types of hip fractures, the differences between the approaches to surgical and non-surgical candidates for physical therapy, and prevention techniques that the physical therapist can share which will ensure a patient is knowledgeable about how to prevent future fall occurrences.

Learning objectives
  • Distinguish the difference between the three major types of hip fractures, their characteristics and the indications for treatment of each.
  • Summarize the similarities and differences between the physical strategies for rehabilitation for the surgical candidate, versus the non-surgical candidate. Discuss the issues associated with each.
  • Identify the different approaches to hip surgery; discuss the advantages, disadvantages and the treatment strategies and rehabilitation outcomes for each of these surgeries.
  • Discuss the reasons for a total hip replacement, what challenges this procedure might present and the unique implications of the anterior versus the posterior approach.
  • Discuss the progression of physical therapy to maximize progression to each patient's either prior level, or maximum level, of functioning.
  • Relate practical and effective preventative measures that patients can take to prevent future falls.