Appropriate and timely treatment of hip fractures in the elderly can help reduce the morbidity of the condition.

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Hip Fractures in the Elderly
Appropriate and timely treatment of hip fractures in the
elderly can help reduce the morbidity of the condition.
Hip fractures are a common occurrence among people over
the age of 65. The condition
can greatly limit mobility,
independence, and sometimes
lead
to
life-threatening
complications.
Motor
accidents,
falls,
and
osteoporosis are the common
causes of hip fractures in the
elderly, most often requiring surgery, hospitalization, and
extended rehabilitation.
Osteoporosis increases the chance of falls in the elderly.
This progressive bone disease is characterized by a
decrease in bone mass and density, which in turn leads to
weakness and an increased risk of fall and fracture. This
bone weakening condition often develops in women after
menopause. Low bone mineral density can cause
osteoporosis in older men. Physical and mental
impairments, medication side effects, poor balance,
lifestyle, environmental hazards and nutrition are also
factors that increase the risk of hip fracture.
Treatment for Fractured Hips
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Swelling, redness and bruising in the hip area are
symptoms that a fracture has occurred. The risk of further
complications can be reduced if the patient is operated on
as soon as possible after the fracture. However, nonsurgical treatment is also available for patients who cannot
have surgery due to a serious medical condition.
The two most common types of hip fractures are
intertrochanteric fractures and femoral neck fractures. At
established healthcare centers specializing in geriatric
medical care, orthopedic surgeons, physiotherapists and
other specialists work as a team to provide personalized
treatment plans to help patients regain mobility and
function. Both surgical and non-surgical treatments are
provided for fractures of the hip.
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Surgical approach: The nature and extent of fracture
is determined using diagnostic modalities such as xrays and MRI. Surgery may involve repairing hips by
inserting metal screws, replacing part of the femur, or
replacing the entire hip joint. The specialized care and
long-term nursing services provided at reputable
rehabilitation centers help patients recover from the
surgery in the shortest possible time.
Physical therapy: Physical therapy for broken hip
helps to overcome pain and restore the body’s range of
motion. Rehabilitation and therapeutic sessions that
include exercises and injury prevention education help
strengthen the muscles, reduce pain, increase
flexibility, and improve function and mobility.
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Pain management: Hip fracture pain management in
elderly is crucial part of the treatment. Post-operative
surgical pain as well as chronic/acute pain can be
treated effectively with interventional therapies that
include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
(NSAIDS), routine injections, analgesics, muscle
relaxant therapies, systemic analgesia, transcutaneous
electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), nerve blocks, and
more.
Fall prevention: Professional healthcare centers
provide slip/fall prevention programs that adhere to
the clinical practice guidelines of the American
Geriatrics Society. Such programs are designed to
address the factors that increase the risk of falls among
the elderly. Balance programs and gait training are
essential elements of the program. Participants are also
advised on how to minimize the impact of factors in
their living and work environment that can increase
their risk of falling.
As many patients most likely have a second fracture in a
couple of years, the role of the orthopedic surgeon to
prevent hip fractures in the elderly is extremely crucial. In a
reliable healthcare center, the surgeon works with the
patients and their families with follow-up to prevent future
fractures.
Posted by HealthQuest
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1-718-769-2521