A hip fracture is a serious injury that requires prompt medical attention. Whether caused by a fall, a motor vehicle accident, or another traumatic event, fractures involving the femoral neck or intertrochanteric region can significantly impact mobility and independence. Receiving timely treatment from an experienced orthopedic surgeon is an important step toward recovery. If you’re searching for a Hip Doctor In Greeley, Dr. Alex Nielsen at Nadora Healthcare may be able to help.
Dr. Alex Nielsen is a fellowship-trained Total Joint Reconstruction surgeon who specializes in treating complex hip and knee conditions. In addition to performing advanced joint replacement procedures, he evaluates and treats a variety of hip injuries, including certain fractures that may require open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF). His goal is to restore stability, relieve pain, and help patients return to their daily activities as safely and efficiently as possible.
What Are Femoral Neck and Intertrochanteric Fractures?
The femur, or thigh bone, is the largest bone in the body. The upper portion of the femur forms the ball of the hip joint. Fractures near the top of the femur are commonly categorized as either femoral neck fractures or intertrochanteric fractures.
These injuries most often occur because of:
- Falls, especially in older adults
- Motor vehicle accidents
- Sports injuries
- High-impact trauma
- Osteoporosis-related bone weakness
Common symptoms include:
- Severe hip or groin pain
- Inability to bear weight
- Difficulty standing or walking
- Swelling or bruising around the hip
- A shortened or externally rotated leg after the injury
Because hip fractures can lead to serious complications if left untreated, anyone experiencing these symptoms after an injury should seek immediate medical evaluation. After emergency assessment and stabilization, follow-up care with a Hip Doctor In Greeley can help determine the most appropriate surgical treatment.
Why Choose Dr. Alex Nielsen?
Dr. Alex Nielsen is a fellowship-trained Total Joint Reconstruction surgeon at Nadora Healthcare with advanced expertise in treating complex hip conditions. He understands that every fracture is unique and develops individualized treatment plans based on the location of the fracture, bone quality, overall health, and each patient’s recovery goals.
During your evaluation, Dr. Nielsen will review your medical history, perform a comprehensive physical examination, and evaluate imaging studies such as X-rays or CT scans. These diagnostic tools help determine the exact location and pattern of the fracture while guiding the surgical plan.
Patients looking for a trusted Hip Doctor In Greeley appreciate Dr. Nielsen’s patient-centered approach. He believes patients and their families should fully understand the diagnosis, treatment options, and recovery process before surgery whenever possible.
What Is ORIF?
Open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) is a surgical procedure used to stabilize certain fractures by restoring the bones to their proper alignment and securing them with specialized implants.
During ORIF, the fractured bones are carefully repositioned before being stabilized with hardware such as screws, plates, or an intramedullary nail, depending on the specific type of fracture. These implants hold the bone in place while it heals, helping restore the normal anatomy of the hip.
ORIF may be recommended for many femoral neck and intertrochanteric fractures when preserving the patient’s natural hip joint is appropriate. However, not every fracture is treated with ORIF. In some situations, procedures such as partial or total hip replacement may provide better long-term outcomes depending on the patient’s age, activity level, fracture pattern, and overall bone health.
Dr. Nielsen carefully evaluates each patient to determine which surgical option offers the greatest opportunity for healing and recovery.
Recovery After Hip Fracture Surgery
Recovery following ORIF typically includes a structured rehabilitation program designed to restore strength, flexibility, and mobility. Physical therapy often begins shortly after surgery and focuses on helping patients safely return to walking and other daily activities.
The recovery timeline varies depending on the severity of the fracture, the patient’s overall health, and how well the bone heals. Dr. Nielsen works closely with each patient throughout the recovery process, providing guidance on weight-bearing, activity progression, and follow-up care to promote successful healing.
When to See a Hip Specialist
A suspected hip fracture should always be treated as a medical emergency. If you or a loved one experiences severe hip pain, cannot bear weight after a fall or injury, or notices a deformity of the leg, seek immediate emergency medical care.
Following emergency treatment, continued care from an orthopedic specialist plays an important role in recovery. Dr. Alex Nielsen develops personalized treatment plans that focus on restoring mobility, relieving pain, and helping patients regain independence.
If you have experienced a femoral neck or intertrochanteric fracture, Dr. Alex Nielsen at Nadora Healthcare may be able to help. As a fellowship-trained Total Joint Reconstruction surgeon, he provides comprehensive evaluations and individualized treatment for a variety of hip injuries and conditions. If you’re searching for a Hip Doctor In Greeley, Dr. Nielsen and the team at Nadora Healthcare are committed to delivering expert orthopedic care focused on helping you recover safely and return to the activities that matter most.
