Asymptomatic Hip Fracture Complications in Young Adults

While we commonly associate hip fractures to the complications associated with aging, there are many adults, even in their 20's, who experience hip fractures after falling at home, at work or even when involved in a motor vehicle accident. In fact, hip fractures are so common that it is estimated that more than 300,000 people, of varying ages, suffer from hip fractures each year.

Symptoms associated with hip fracture are generally considered to be quite painful, with limited mobility and decreased rotation. However, this is not always the case, especially in hip fractures of the younger population.

Asymptomatic hip fractures, in the younger adult population, are quite common with the only symptoms reported as a slight pain in the back, groin or even the knees. In fact, the ability to walk may not even be affected. For this reason, many young adults who experience hip fracture, without significant complication, may delay in seeking medical attention.

Compounded by this delay in treatment is the fact that many young adults, upon seeking medical attention, are usually misdiagnosed as having another strain or sprain injury, and not diagnosed or examined for hip fracture. When this misdiagnosis and delay in treatment occurs, a distorted healing process may ensue, resulting in decreased mobility with age and a greater degree of complications later in life.

If you've recently experienced a fall at work, at home or have been involved in a motor vehicle accident, even when your symptoms are relatively minor, it is important to seek out the appropriate diagnosis and treatment. Since a hip fracture can generally be diagnosed with a simple x-ray, asking for this procedure should not be a significant factor for your healthcare professional and can, in many cases, be done right in the office.