The term "hip fracture" refers to a break or crack in the bone of the hip area. The correct spelling of this term is /hɪp ˈfræk.tʃər/ because it follows the English phonetic rules. The initial sound is a voiceless glottal fricative /h/, followed by the short vowel sound /ɪ/, and then a voiceless bilabial plosive /p/. The stress is on the first syllable, and the final sound is a voiceless alveolar affricate /tʃ/ combined with a schwa sound /ər/. Accurate spelling of medical terms is important to ensure clear communication among healthcare professionals.
Hip fracture refers to a broken bone in the hip joint, which is the area where the thigh bone (femur) meets the pelvis. It typically occurs as a result of trauma or injury to the hip, especially in older adults whose bones may be weakened due to conditions such as osteoporosis. This type of fracture can significantly impact a person's mobility and cause great pain.
The hip joint plays a crucial role in the body's ability to move, bear weight, and maintain balance. A hip fracture commonly occurs as a result of a fall or direct impact to the hip, causing a break in the femur or pelvic bone near this joint. The severity of a hip fracture can vary from a hairline crack to a complete break, which may require surgical intervention to realign and stabilize the bones.
Symptoms of a hip fracture often include intense pain, swelling, bruising, and the inability to put weight on the affected leg. Other signs may include the leg appearing shorter or rotated in an unusual manner. Immediate medical attention is crucial for a hip fracture, as the condition can have serious complications, such as blood clots or pressure sores, and a delay in treatment can worsen the prognosis.
Treatment for a hip fracture typically involves surgery to repair or replace damaged bones, followed by rehabilitation to regain strength and mobility. Physical therapy and assistive devices, such as crutches or walkers, may be necessary during the recovery process to facilitate proper healing and prevent complications.
The word "hip" has its origin in Old English and derives from the Proto-Germanic word "hippo" or "heupaz". It is related to the Old Norse word "hup", which means "hip, thigh" or "the haunch of a animal".
The word "fracture" has its roots in Latin. It comes from the Latin word "fractura", which means "a breaking, a fracture". This word is derived from the Latin verb "frangere", meaning "to break".
When combined, "hip fracture" refers to a broken bone in the region of the hip joint.