Which findings are typically seen with a fractured hip?

Which findings are typically seen with a fractured hip?

• A. Hip pain, leg shortened, externally rotated
• B. Pain and numbness in the foot
• C. Swelling of the knee; internal rotation
• D. No deformity with intact function

Answer: (A)

The main idea is how a fractured hip classically presents. After a fall or trauma, hip fractures cause severe hip or groin pain and an inability to bear weight. The leg typically appears shortened and lies in external rotation because the fractured bone segments are pulled by surrounding muscles and the external rotators become the dominant position. This combination—hip pain with a shortened, externally rotated leg—is the hallmark sign that points toward a hip fracture and prompts urgent evaluation. Other patterns don’t fit as well. Pain and numbness in the foot suggests nerve or vascular issues rather than a hip fracture. Swelling of the knee with internal rotation points to a knee problem rather than the hip joint. A hip fracture usually isn’t without deformity or functional loss, so no deformity with intact function wouldn’t align with this scenario.

The main idea is how a fractured hip classically presents. After a fall or trauma, hip fractures cause severe hip or groin pain and an inability to bear weight. The leg typically appears shortened and lies in external rotation because the fractured bone segments are pulled by surrounding muscles and the external rotators become the dominant position. This combination—hip pain with a shortened, externally rotated leg—is the hallmark sign that points toward a hip fracture and prompts urgent evaluation.

Other patterns don’t fit as well. Pain and numbness in the foot suggests nerve or vascular issues rather than a hip fracture. Swelling of the knee with internal rotation points to a knee problem rather than the hip joint. A hip fracture usually isn’t without deformity or functional loss, so no deformity with intact function wouldn’t align with this scenario.