Orthogeriatrics

Who we are

We are a team of consultant geriatricians who specialise in the care of people with fractures. Working alongside our orthopaedic surgeons and our specialist multidisciplinary team, we help improve outcomes for our elderly patients, especially those with hip fractures.

How we help

A hip fracture is a crack or break at the top of the thigh bone (femur) close to the hip joint. This often occurs from a result of a fall. Most hip fractures require surgery to fix them.

You will be cared for by our specialist team during your stay with us. Our anaesthetist will determine if you are fit for surgery. We aim to operate as soon as possible and in most cases within 36 hours of admission.

We work with the surgeons and anaesthetists to ensure you are as fit as possible for the operation if needed, and help you to recover from the operation.

The cause of your fall and your osteoporosis risk will be assessed and any necessary treatment started

We then work with the physiotherapists, occupational therapists and nurses to help you to rehabilitate after your surgery.

Going home

We aim to get you home as soon as possible after you hip surgery. If you are very independent and active before your surgery, you may feel ready to go home in the first week after your operation with support from our community physiotherapy team. If you are less mobile before you came into hospital, it may take you longer to get back on your feet. Your multi-disciplinary team may offer you a period of rehabilitation at one of our community hospitals.

Please be aware that for some of our patients, rehabilitation takes many months and you may need extra support and equipment to help you manage safely at home.

You are usually able to go home once you are:

medically fit
walking safely with an appropriate walking aid eg: elbow crutches
able to do your hip exercises independently or under supervision from friends or relatives
able to do any steps or stairs safely
independent with all your activities of daily living or have the appropriate support in place
have all the equipment you need.