Musculoskeletal Surgical Procedures

A client who has a dysfunction of the musculoskeletal system might have to undergo a surgical procedure. Surgery might be performed to relieve pain, provide stability, and improve function of the joint. The discussion that follows focuses on the care necessary for clients who have had a break in a hip, have had a joint disability or damage, or require an amputation because of disease or trauma.

Fractured Hip and Hip Replacement

Fracture of the hip is most common in white, elderly females. A fractured hip can contribute to death in the elderly because it predisposes them to infection and respiratory complications. The most definitive symptoms associated with a fractured hip are disalignment and shortening of the affected leg. The client also cannot move the leg without pain and complains of pain in the hip and groin on the affected side. Diagnosis is made by a hip x-ray that confirms the break.