Geriatric Fracture
The fractures in elderly are different in the sense that biology of the fracture is different than that as in adult fractures. The quality of bones is poor due to osteoporosis and blood supply is decreased resulting in poor healing potential. A., the associated co-morbidities complicate the matter further. The fracture can, sometimes be pathological, developed due to a disease resulting in weakness in bones.
The trauma that produces fractures in elderly may be trivial or often missed. A simple fall from standing height or sitting on stool or chair can lead to fracture. Often the elderly patients living alone, may be dehydrated as there might be delay in getting proper treatment.
The fractures in elderly usually need to surgical intervention and fixation with suitable implant as rnajority fractures are displaced and communited. Conservative or non-operative management is offered to the individuals with non-displaced or minimally displaced fractures, who are at high risk for undergoing surgical intervention. It is usually avoided as prolong immobilization in bed is necessary for fractures to unite and it has its own set of disadvantages. The aim of the treatment is to mobilise the patient as soon as possible.
The most common fractures in elderly or geriatric patients are
- ctures around hip — lntertrochanteric fracture & Neck of femur fracture
- Proximal humerus fracture
- Lower end radius fracture
- Vertebral body compression fracture
- Fractures around ankle — Bimalleolar and Trimalleolar fracture