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Fracture after Total Hip Replacement

Last updated: February 7, 2026 Medically reviewed by: RxHarun Orthopedic Specialist Doctor Reading time: 2 min read

A break or crack in the artificial implant during or after the hip replacement process is termed as a periprosthetic fracture. It may occur in any part of the artificial implant although it is most commonly seen in the stem of the metallic component that is fixed within the femur. Treatment for this condition is surgical and it can be quite complicated as the patients are generally old in age and the bone structure has already weakened.

Causes

  • A fall on the ground
  • Vehicular accidents that cause high intensity trauma to the joint
  • Direct blow to the leg or hip
  • People suffering from Osteoporosis are at a higher risk
  • Inherent muscular weakness may decrease the stability of the joint and predispose a person to such injuries
  • Osteolysis- The bones may begin to thin out with age and this may lead to the loosening of the femoral stem

Symptoms

  • Severe pain around the hip and thigh
  • Swelling
  • Bruising
  • Discrepancy in the limb length as the injured leg tends to shorten
  • Limited range of motion
  • Inability to bear body weight

Diagnosis

  • Detailed examination of the hip joint
  • Nerve testing to ensure the blood flow to the lower limbs is not affected
  • CT scan may be required to obtain a 3D image of the hip joint
  • Blood tests may be conducted to assess the general health condition of the patient
  • X-ray images of the pelvis, thigh and hip area may be required to analyze the severity of damage to the implant as well as surrounding bones

Treatment

  • Weight bearing should be restricted to avoid stressing the joint
  • Traction may be used in some cases to straighten the leg and keep the bones in place
  • Open Reduction- A surgical procedure that may be recommended if the implant is still secure within the femur. The broken bones are surgically placed back in their position and fastened using screws or pins (internal fixation)
  • Bone graft may be required in some cases as it helps in healing the fracture.
  • Surgical replacement of the damaged implant. This process is called Joint Revision
  • Blood thinning medications may be prescribed post surgery to prevent clotting in the leg or hip
  • Anti-inflammatory medications to relieve pain
  • Physical therapy may be recommended to promote joint movement during recovery phase
  • A hip brace may be worn for a few weeks to prevent stress on the joint

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this article a replacement for a doctor?

No. It is educational content only. Patients should consult a qualified clinician for diagnosis and treatment.

When should I seek urgent care?

Seek urgent care for severe symptoms, rapidly worsening condition, breathing difficulty, severe pain, neurological changes, or any emergency warning sign.

References

Add references, clinical guidelines, textbooks, journal articles, or trusted medical sources here. You can edit this area later with a custom field named _rx_references.

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Written by Dr. Harun Ar Rashid, MD - Arthritis, Bones, Joints Pain, Trauma, and Internal Medicine Specialist

Dr. Md. Harun Ar Rashid, MPH, MD, PhD, is a highly respected medical specialist celebrated for his exceptional clinical expertise and unwavering commitment to patient care. With advanced qualifications including MPH, MD, and PhD, he integrates cutting-edge research with a compassionate approach to medicine, ensuring that every patient receives personalized and effective treatment. His extensive training and hands-on experience enable him to diagnose complex conditions accurately and develop innovative treatment strategies tailored to individual needs. In addition to his clinical practice, Dr. Harun Ar Rashid is dedicated to medical education and research, writing and inventory creative thinking, innovative idea, critical care managementing make in his community to outreach, often participating in initiatives that promote health awareness and advance medical knowledge. His career is a testament to the high standards represented by his credentials, and he continues to contribute significantly to his field, driving improvements in both patient outcomes and healthcare practices. Born and educated in Bangladesh, Dr. Rashid earned his BPT from the University of Dhaka before pursuing postgraduate training internationally. He completed his MD in Internal Medicine at King’s College London, where he developed a special interest in inflammatory arthritis and metabolic bone disease. He then undertook a PhD in Orthopedic Science at the University of Oxford, conducting pioneering research on cytokine signaling pathways in rheumatoid arthritis. Following his doctoral studies, Dr. Rashid returned to clinical work with a fellowship in interventional pain management at the Rx University School of Medicine, refining his skills in image-guided joint injections and minimally invasive pain-relief techniques.