Exam findings for a hip fracture.

Exam findings for a hip fracture.

• A. Tenderness, swelling, bruising, and possible deformity.
• B. Widespread warmth over entire thigh.
• C. No tenderness or swelling.
• D. Only numbness without visible signs.

Answer: (A)

Exam findings for a hip fracture reflect local injury to bone and surrounding soft tissues. The most consistent signs are tenderness to palpation around the hip, swelling from a nearby hematoma, and bruising that may appear as ecchymosis. If the fracture is displaced, there can be deformity of the limb, often with shortening and the leg held in external rotation. Patients frequently cannot bear weight on the affected leg. In contrast, signs like widespread warmth over the thigh, no tenderness or swelling, or numbness without visible signs do not fit the typical local injury pattern of a hip fracture.

Exam findings for a hip fracture reflect local injury to bone and surrounding soft tissues. The most consistent signs are tenderness to palpation around the hip, swelling from a nearby hematoma, and bruising that may appear as ecchymosis. If the fracture is displaced, there can be deformity of the limb, often with shortening and the leg held in external rotation. Patients frequently cannot bear weight on the affected leg. In contrast, signs like widespread warmth over the thigh, no tenderness or swelling, or numbness without visible signs do not fit the typical local injury pattern of a hip fracture.