Procedure prep
Hip Fracture Surgery: Fasting & What to Expect
A broken hip almost always needs surgery, and it's usually done within a day or two because fixing it early helps recovery and pain. This is often a worrying, sudden situation for families — here's what to expect and what to ask.
Fasting for this procedure
→ Get your exact fasting times with the calculator
Medicines to check
- Blood thinners (warfarin, Eliquis, Xarelto, clopidogrel) — these are the main thing that can delay hip surgery, as they may need reversing or wearing off first. Tell the team immediately what's taken. See medications to stop.
- Diabetes medicines & insulin — managed with a plan, often with a drip. See diabetes tablets.
- Blood pressure and heart medicines — the team decides which to continue.
- Bring a full list of the person's regular medicines and doses as soon as possible.
When this surgery may be delayed
- Blood thinners that need reversing or time to wear off
- A chest infection, significant anemia, or unstable heart problem that needs treating first
- Significant dehydration or abnormal blood salts
- An uncontrolled medical problem the team needs to optimise
- These delays are to make surgery safer — the aim is still to operate quickly
Reports & documents to carry
- A full list of the person's medicines, doses, and allergies
- Their usual mobility and home situation (do they walk with a frame, live alone?)
- Next-of-kin and contact details, and any advance care wishes
- Photo ID, insurance or hospital paperwork
- Glasses, hearing aids and dentures — these help recovery and reduce confusion
What to ask your anesthesia team
- Will it be a spinal or general anesthetic?
- Is anything (like a blood thinner) delaying surgery, and what's the plan?
- What type of repair — a fixation, a half or full hip replacement?
- How soon after will they be helped to stand and walk?
- What's the plan to prevent clots, confusion and pressure sores?
Your prep checklist
Tick things off as you sort them — saved on this device only, nothing is sent anywhere.
A general guide — your hospital's own instructions always come first.
Frequently asked questions
Why does hip fracture surgery happen so quickly?
Operating early — usually within a day or two — relieves pain, lets the person get moving sooner, and lowers the risk of complications like chest infections, clots and pressure sores that come from lying still. So teams aim to fix a broken hip promptly once the person is safe for anesthesia.
Can blood thinners delay hip fracture surgery?
Yes — this is the most common reason for a short delay. Some blood thinners need to be reversed with medicine or simply allowed to wear off before it's safe to operate, to avoid heavy bleeding. Tell the team straight away exactly what the person takes so they can plan the safest, soonest time.
Will an elderly person walk again after a broken hip?
Many do, especially with early surgery and good physiotherapy, though recovery depends on their health and mobility beforehand. Getting up and moving soon after surgery is a big part of it. The team and physiotherapists will set realistic goals and support rehabilitation.