A bone surgeon known as an orthopedist will determine if a fracture needs pinning. The decision is usually based on the location, type, and severity of the hip fracture. The hip pinning enables the hip to begin functioning and the person to move around earlier than if the bone had to heal on its own. Also, it can help reduce complications from prolonged bed rest. Hip pinning is done in the operating room under general anesthesia or regional anesthesia .
General anesthesia means the person is put to sleep with medications.
Regional anesthesia usually means the person will be awake but numb below the waist. A medication may be given to make the person drowsy. Once the anesthesia has started to work, the hip area is cleaned. An incision is usually made on the outside of the hip. In rare cases, an incision is not made into the skin, and the bones are manipulated into the right position from the outside of the body.