Treatment of Frail Elders with Fractures

by admin-blog-kh | May 12, 2021 1:54 pm

Falls are the bane of the elderly. The risk of a fall related injury in people aged 65 and above is indeed a cause for concern. Falls are the most common reason for the elderly suffering from fractures. In addition to this, the elderly usually have other health complications as well. Hence, if they suffer a fracture, special care has to be taken during treatment.

A fall might result in a fracture, but it is not the only cause of fractures. They can also be caused by road traffic accidents and continuous strain on certain parts of the body. The latter is more common among sportspeople and is called a stress fracture[1]. Osteoporotic changes also make people more prone to fractures[2].

Geriatric Care[3]

What Is a Fracture?

When the bone breaks partially or completely, it is called a fracture. In senior citizens, falls need not necessarily have to happen from a great height to cause a fracture. When the fall happens from standing height or lesser and results in a fracture, it is called a fragility fracture. These fractures usually affect the following parts:

Also Read: Tips for older people to prevent falls and fractures[5]

 Treatment Options

The treatment decided on will depend on the part of the body that has suffered a fracture and the severity of the fracture. The doctor will consider the pros and cons of both surgical and non-surgical treatment options as well as the patient’s preferences before deciding on a suitable course. Below are listed the possible treatment options:

A few points to keep in mind after surgery:

The goal of all the treatment options is to help the patient regain movement as soon as possible. Once that is accomplished, the doctor will look into ways to prevent another fracture from occurring. A physiotherapy[7] program will also commence when the doctor thinks it is advisable.

Also Read: The importance of Physiotherapy after Orthopedic surgeries[8]

Caring at Home

Prepare the home in advance so that care for the recuperating elderly becomes easier for him/her and you. Here are a few pointers:

Fracture Prevention

It is a fact that the elderly take a longer time healing from fractures than younger adults. Hence, it is in everyone’s best interest to prevent fractures. Below are listed a few steps that can be taken to prevent fractures from occurring.

 

Kauvery Hospital is globally known for its multidisciplinary services at all its Centers of Excellence, and for its comprehensive, Avant-Grade technology, especially in diagnostics and remedial care in heart diseases, transplantation, vascular and neurosciences medicine. Located in the heart of Trichy (Tennur, Royal Road and Alexandria Road (Cantonment), Chennai, Hosur, Salem, Tirunelveli and Bengaluru, the hospital also renders adult and pediatric trauma care.

Chennai – 044 4000 6000 • Trichy – Cantonment – 0431 4077777 • Trichy – Heartcity – 0431 4003500 • Trichy – Tennur – 0431 4022555 • Hosur – 04344 272727 • Salem – 0427 2677777 • Tirunelveli – 0462 4006000 • Bengaluru – 080 6801 6801

Endnotes:
  1. stress fracture: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gjz_lTDI5uI
  2. fractures: https://draravindan.com/specialities/fracture-treatment-in-chennai/
  3. Geriatric Care: https://www.kauveryhospital.com/comprehensive-geriatric-care
  4. Spine: https://www.kauveryhospital.com/Centers-of-Excellence-and-Specialties/Spine-Surgery
  5. Tips for older people to prevent falls and fractures: https://kauveryhospital.com/blog/geriatrics/tips-for-older-people-to-prevent-falls-and-fractures/
  6. pain management: https://kauveryhospital.com/blog/orthopedics/physical-therapy-for-pain-management/
  7. physiotherapy: https://kauveryhospital.com/blog/orthopedics/physiotherapy-helps-in-pain-management/
  8. The importance of Physiotherapy after Orthopedic surgeries: https://kauveryhospital.com/blog/orthopedics/the-importance-of-physiotherapy-after-orthopedic-surgeries/
  9. Orthopedician: https://www.kauveryhospital.com/doctors/chennai/orthopaedics/dr-aravindan-selvaraj

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