Clinical Presentation & Protocol
Patient Usually Complains Of
Patient presents with acute onset of left hip pain following a mechanical fall. Reports inability to bear weight on the left lower extremity. Pain is localized to the groin and lateral hip, exacerbated by movement. No history of prior hip surgery. Denies numbness, tingling, or distal weakness.
Clinical Examination Findings
Left lower extremity demonstrates classic deformity: shortened, externally rotated, and abducted. Significant tenderness to palpation over the left greater trochanter and groin. Range of motion of the left hip is severely limited by pain. Distal neurovascular status is intact with palpable dorsalis pedis and posterior tibial pulses; capillary refill < 2 seconds.
Treatment Protocol
Immobilization of the left lower extremity. Strict non-weight bearing status. Pain management initiated with IV analgesics. Orthopedic surgery consultation requested for definitive fixation (internal fixation vs. hemiarthroplasty/total hip arthroplasty). Pre-operative clearance and imaging (AP pelvis, lateral hip) obtained.