Why are elderly people prone to fragility fractures?

Written by Su Zhen Bo
Orthopedics
Updated on November 03, 2024
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In clinical settings, elderly individuals commonly experience comminuted fractures, primarily due to their reduced levels of physical activity, which can lead to the loss of proteins, calcium, minerals, and moisture in the bones. This reduces bone strength and density, and if they have osteoporosis, bones can easily break into pieces when subjected to external force. Therefore, it is crucial to apply proper treatment methods promptly after a comminuted fracture occurs. This can involve manual reduction, external fixation, or surgical treatment such as open reduction and internal fixation. Postoperatively, treatments like electrotherapy and physical therapy, along with oral calcium supplements and bone-healing medications, can facilitate recovery. Nutritionally, it is beneficial to consume foods rich in proteins and calcium to aid in the healing of fractures.

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Written by Lv Yao
Orthopedics
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Post-traumatic sequelae of femoral head comminuted fracture

A comminuted fracture generally refers to a fracture with more than three fragments. When a comminuted fracture occurs in the femoral head, it is also a type of intra-articular comminuted fracture. Generally speaking, after the fracture is reduced and stabilized, there can be some damage to the joint surface as well, leading to unevenness of the joint surface and a higher chance of developing postoperative traumatic arthritis. There is also a possibility that the comminution of the femoral head fracture could affect the blood supply to the femoral head, leading to ischemic necrosis of the femoral head. After treatment for the fracture injury, there will inevitably be some impact on postoperative function. Therefore, after a comminuted fracture of the femoral head, the first sequelae to appear is usually traumatic arthritis, followed by ischemic necrosis of the femoral head, and thirdly, symptoms of restricted movement in the hip joint may occur.

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Written by Lv Yao
Orthopedics
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Is a comminuted fracture of the tibia serious?

A comminuted fracture of the tibia is defined as a fracture where there are three or more fracture fragments, termed a comminuted fracture. The severity of a comminuted fracture of the tibia depends on the location of the fracture. If the fracture is located at the epiphyseal end, where there is abundant blood supply, healing may occur more quickly. However, if the fracture is accompanied by surrounding soft tissue injuries, the healing process can be very slow. If the fracture occurs in the middle to distal third of the bone, where the blood supply is more limited, healing can be slower compared to simple transverse fractures, and the prognosis may vary depending on the choice of treatment method.

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Written by Wang Cheng Lin
Orthopedics
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How long will it take for a comminuted ankle fracture to heal?

Hello! You're asking how long it takes for a comminuted ankle fracture to heal. Generally, the healing time for a comminuted fracture in the ankle is about three months. Depending on your specific condition, you may need to have an X-ray to confirm if your ankle fracture has achieved bony union. If bony union has been achieved, you can then appropriately begin weight-bearing activities to promote blood circulation in the lower limbs and restore joint mobility. However, if the X-ray shows that bony union has not been achieved, it is absolutely crucial not to bear weight. Premature weight-bearing can cause the fracture ends to break again and shift, potentially necessitating a second surgery. So, generally speaking, the healing time for non-comminuted ankle fractures is also about three months, but it is essential to check the final X-ray to see if the fracture has healed.

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Written by Guan Jing Tao
Orthopedics
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Is a comminuted fracture of the hip bone serious?

The answer is definitely yes. A comminuted fracture of the hip bone can affect the stability of the pelvic ring, thus absolute bed rest is necessary, and surgical treatment may be needed when required. Especially in middle-aged and elderly people, early ambulation after surgery can help avoid various complications that can arise from prolonged bed rest, such as three to six months, or even more than half a year, which could exacerbate complications in the elderly and even be life-threatening. Therefore, comminuted fractures of the hip are relatively severe and require active surgical treatment. Post-surgery, appropriate bed rest is also needed, and it is advisable to use a pulsating air mattress to prevent potential complications like pressure sores, and appropriate body massages should be performed to prevent the occurrence of lower limb venous thrombosis. Additionally, turning and patting on the back should be performed to prevent dependent lung pneumonia.

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Written by Su Zhen Bo
Orthopedics
55sec home-news-image

Why are elderly people prone to fragility fractures?

In clinical settings, elderly individuals commonly experience comminuted fractures, primarily due to their reduced levels of physical activity, which can lead to the loss of proteins, calcium, minerals, and moisture in the bones. This reduces bone strength and density, and if they have osteoporosis, bones can easily break into pieces when subjected to external force. Therefore, it is crucial to apply proper treatment methods promptly after a comminuted fracture occurs. This can involve manual reduction, external fixation, or surgical treatment such as open reduction and internal fixation. Postoperatively, treatments like electrotherapy and physical therapy, along with oral calcium supplements and bone-healing medications, can facilitate recovery. Nutritionally, it is beneficial to consume foods rich in proteins and calcium to aid in the healing of fractures.