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PRUK CHAIYAKIT,M.D.
Thailand is currently embracing a fully integrated elderly society, leading to an increased health issues among the elderly. One common problem is falls, with the Department of Injury Prevention finding that one out of three elderly people falls every year. Tens of thousands of elderly individuals who fall sustain leg and hip injuries requiring hospital treatment. Furthermore, 20% of the elderly who suffer hip injuries have a chance of passing away within a year. Therefore, hip fractures from falling for the elderly is a common, close-to-home danger that may cause disability and mortality.
When a hip fracture occurs, it may be noticed by the following symptoms:
The group at highest risk for hip fractures includes elderly individuals with osteoporosis. As people age, their bones gradually become weaker, even if they were once strong. This weakening is noticeable as seniors may develop a stooped posture or become shorter due to compression fractures in the spine caused by osteoporosis. Additionally, osteoporosis in the hip bones can lead to fragile bones, making fractures more likely even with minor falls or impacts. Therefore, elderly individuals are at risk due to weakened bones and joints, even without a specific accident.
Furthermore, seniors undergo other bodily changes that increase the risk of falls, such as changes in vision (like nearsightedness or cataracts), reduced peripheral vision in darkness or night, and difficulty seeing. These changes may lead to stumbles or falls when walking or moving objects. Additionally, there may be a reduction in muscle mass due to disuse, along with decreased nerve signals that contribute to poor balance and increased risk of falls
The severity of a hip fracture depends on the location of the fracture, which can lead to different complications. For instance, a fracture that results in a disruption of blood vessels supplying the femoral head can cause avascular necrosis, where the bone tissue in the affected area dies due to lack of blood supply. This is a common complication. Additionally, other possible complications include:
The occurrence of deep vein thrombosis in the leg veins can happen in patients who are currently receiving treatment or after surgery, which restricts movement, impeding blood circulation. This critical factor can lead to the formation of blood clots.
Elderly individuals showing symptoms of a hip fracture may require additional testing for accurate diagnosis or post-treatment evaluation and planning. Specialized testing includes:
The primary approach to treating a hip fracture is surgery, ideally performed within the first 24 hours after the fracture to reduce hospital stay, minimize pain medication use, and decrease other potential complications. Typically, there are two main surgical treatments:
In this procedure, the surgeon aligns the fractured bones and uses screws or metal plates to hold them together.
This involves replacing part or all of the hip joint, especially in cases where the fracture is severe or involves the hip joint itself. There are two types of hip replacement:
After surgery, early mobilization and getting out of bed are crucial to reduce complications that can arise from prolonged bed rest and immobility. Studies also indicate that early physical therapy should be initiated to promote faster recovery, allowing patients to regain mobility and resume normal activities.
Before it’s too late, it’s advisable for elderly individuals to prepare for physical changes by:
Hip fractures from accidents are common and pose a significant risk to life. What might seem like a minor fall can lead to serious consequences if a hip fracture occurs and is not promptly treated. Patients are at high risk for various complications following the accident. Therefore, if symptoms similar to a hip fracture are present, it’s crucial to consult a specialized physician promptly for further diagnosis and timely treatment. This approach reduces the likelihood of additional complications and ensures a better quality of life.
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