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The information on this page is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health professional with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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Upper Thigh Fractures (Subtrochanteric Fractures)
Subtrochanteric fractures are breaks in the upper thigh bone (femur) just below the hip joint - most occur in elderly people with osteoporosis from low-energy falls or in younger people from high-energy trauma (car accidents, falls from height), typically requiring surgery with a metal rod and screws (intramedullary nail) inserted down the center of the thigh bone to stabilize the fracture - recovery takes 3-6 months with gradual weight-bearing progression, though some patients develop healing complications (non-union) requiring further surgery, particularly those taking long-term bisphosphonate medications who develop atypical fractures with unique fracture patterns
đWhat is Upper Thigh Fractures (Subtrochanteric Fractures)?
Subtrochanteric fractures are breaks in the upper thigh bone (femur) just below the hip joint - most occur in elderly people with osteoporosis from low-energy falls or in younger people from high-energy trauma (car accidents, falls from height), typically requiring surgery with a metal rod and screws (intramedullary nail) inserted down the center of the thigh bone to stabilize the fracture - recovery takes 3-6 months with gradual weight-bearing progression, though some patients develop healing complications (non-union) requiring further surgery, particularly those taking long-term bisphosphonate medications who develop atypical fractures with unique fracture patterns
đŦWhat Causes It?
- Low-energy fall in elderly with osteoporosis (most common cause in patients over 65)
- High-energy trauma in younger patients (car accident, motorcycle crash, fall from height)
- Long-term bisphosphonate use (osteoporosis medication) causing atypical fractures
- Pathological fracture through bone weakened by cancer metastases or other bone disease
â ī¸Risk Factors
You may be at higher risk if:
- Osteoporosis (weak, brittle bones - most common risk factor in elderly)
- Long-term bisphosphonate use (5+ years of Fosamax, Actonel, other osteoporosis drugs)
- Advanced age (risk increases significantly after 65)
- Previous hip or femur fracture
- Female gender (higher osteoporosis rates)
- Vitamin D deficiency
- Cancer with bone metastases
đĄī¸Prevention
- âOsteoporosis screening and treatment (bone density scans after 65 for women, 70 for men)
- âFall prevention strategies (home safety assessment, vision checks, medication review)
- âRegular weight-bearing exercise and strength training
- âAdequate calcium (1200mg daily) and vitamin D (800-1000 IU daily) intake
- âIf on bisphosphonates 5+ years: discuss drug holiday with doctor to reduce atypical fracture risk
- âStop smoking (impairs bone healing and increases fracture risk)