Your Guide After a Hip Fracture (Breaking a Hip)

When to get medical help

If you have pain in your chest or trouble breathing, call 911.

See your family doctor if you:

have fallen (they can support you with follow-up care and work to prevent falls in the future)
struggle with eating or have a low appetite
have any questions or concerns

See your surgeon if you have:

more redness, pain, or swelling in your legs
a problem with your incision (surgical cut), such as very bad pain, it starts to come apart, leaks more fluid, or leaks fluid that is thick, green, or has a bad smell
sudden, sharp pain in your hip
chills or a temperature above 38.5^oC
more bruising that doesn’t start to go away after 3 weeks – It’s normal to have bruising around your hip up to 3 weeks after surgery.

Current as of: February 21, 2025

Author: Bone & Joint Health Strategic Clinical Network, AHS

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This material is not a substitute for the advice of a qualified health professional. This material is intended for general information only and is provided on an "as is", "where is" basis. Although reasonable efforts were made to confirm the accuracy of the information, Alberta Health Services does not make any representation or warranty, express, implied or statutory, as to the accuracy, reliability, completeness, applicability or fitness for a particular purpose of such information. Alberta Health Services expressly disclaims all liability for the use of these materials, and for any claims, actions, demands or suits arising from such use.

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