About Dynamic Hip Screw (DHS)

Symptoms: Severe hip pain, restricted movement in the hip joint, and an inability to bear weight on the affected side are signs of a hip fracture that may require dynamic hip screw intervention.

Causes: The most common cause of hip fractures is falls, particularly among the elderly and those with osteoporosis or other bone-weakening conditions. Trauma or direct impacts to the hip region can also result in fractures that necessitate DHS repair.

Treatment: Dynamic hip screw surgery stabilizes the fracture by connecting the broken bone fragments with a specially designed screw system, promoting optimal healing and allowing for regaining mobility. Post-surgery rehabilitation often involves physical therapy, which aids in restoring strength and mobility to the hip joint, enhancing the patient’s quality of life and supporting a full recovery.

Procedure of Dynamic Hip Screw

1. Preoperative Assessment: Before surgery, the patient undergoes a thorough evaluation, including a medical history review, physical examination, and imaging tests such as CT scans or X-rays to determine the type and extent of the hip fracture.

2. Anesthesia: Depending on the specific situation and the patient’s health status, either regional or general anesthesia is administered to ensure the patient experiences no pain or discomfort during the procedure.

3. Incision: A surgical incision is made over the hip area to access the fractured bone. The size and location of the incision may vary based on the fracture type and the surgeon’s preference.

4. Reduction: The fractured fragments are carefully aligned, or reduced, to restore the natural architecture of the hip joint. This may involve the use of specialized tools and techniques to reposition the bones accurately.

5. Fixation: Once the fracture is properly aligned, a dynamic hip screw (DHS) is inserted through a hole created in the femoral head (the upper part of the thigh bone). A plate is then secured to the outside of the femur to provide additional stability.

6. Stability Check: After fixation, the surgeon verifies that the fracture is correctly aligned and that the implant provides adequate stability. Fluoroscopy, a real-time X-ray technique, may be used to visualize the implant’s position and the fracture alignment.

7. Closure and Recovery: After sealing the incision with staples or sutures, a sterile dressing is applied. The patient is then monitored in the recovery area before being transferred to a hospital room or discharged home with appropriate postoperative instructions. Rehabilitation, including physical therapy, is essential for helping the hip joint regain strength and range of motion.