What is the classic sign of a fractured hip?

What is the classic sign of a fractured hip?

• A. Shortened, abducted, externally rotated leg
• B. Pain in the knee
• C. Inability to plantarflex
• D. Leg shortened with adduction

Answer: (A)

Shortened, abducted, and externally rotated leg is the classic sign of a fractured hip. When the femoral neck or proximal femur is fractured, the normal alignment of the hip is lost. The muscles that rotate the hip externally pull on the leg, so it rests in an outward-turned position. At the same time, the limb appears shortened because the proximal fragment is displaced in relation to the pelvis, giving the impression that the leg is shorter. This combination—the leg lying shortened, with the thigh rotated outward and slightly away from the midline—is the hallmark you look for in suspected hip fracture. Pain in the knee can occur but is not the defining sign. Inability to plantarflex points to other injuries (like issues in the foot or ankle or nerve/nerve root problems). Leg shortening with adduction would suggest a different injury pattern, not the typical hip fracture presentation.

Shortened, abducted, and externally rotated leg is the classic sign of a fractured hip. When the femoral neck or proximal femur is fractured, the normal alignment of the hip is lost. The muscles that rotate the hip externally pull on the leg, so it rests in an outward-turned position. At the same time, the limb appears shortened because the proximal fragment is displaced in relation to the pelvis, giving the impression that the leg is shorter. This combination—the leg lying shortened, with the thigh rotated outward and slightly away from the midline—is the hallmark you look for in suspected hip fracture.

Pain in the knee can occur but is not the defining sign. Inability to plantarflex points to other injuries (like issues in the foot or ankle or nerve/nerve root problems). Leg shortening with adduction would suggest a different injury pattern, not the typical hip fracture presentation.