Hip fractures in the elderly include femoral neck fractures and intertrochanteric fractures , which are called "the last fracture in life" and "death fracture" because of their high morbidity and mortality. Treatment faces huge challenges and is currently a major global health problem.
So why are the elderly prone to hip fractures? ? ?
First of all, osteoporosis caused by the decrease in hormone levels and metabolism in the elderly, bone strength decreases, and the femoral neck and trochanter of the hip will be very fragile; secondly, the hip muscles of the elderly atrophy, the strength is reduced, and they cannot function well. Protect the bones of the femoral neck and trochanter; finally, as the elderly age, their reaction ability decreases, and their anti-fall skills or instinctive reaction to prevent falls decrease, so that when a slight twist or fall occurs, it will be easy Causes femoral neck fractures and femoral intertrochanteric fractures. Sometimes fractures still occur without obvious trauma.
Why is this the last fracture in life? ? ?
fracture occurs, first, conservative treatment. There are four major complications due to bed rest, each of which is fatal. The first is lung infection , pain after fracture, inability to turn over, fear of coughing, and inability to cough up phlegm. Over time, lung infection will eventually lead to systemic infection; secondly, deep vein thrombosis , many elderly people have it. The "three highs" coupled with long-term bed rest slow down the blood flow, leading to deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. Next is bedsores, which increase in area and lead to systemic infection; and finally, urinary system infection. It is difficult for the elderly to maintain good hygiene conditions, and infection may occur, leading to systemic toxemia . The second is surgical treatment. The elderly all have different degrees of medical diseases. The risk of surgical anesthesia increases. Coupled with improper postoperative care, it will lead to poor surgical results and serious postoperative complications.
With the help of multidisciplinary consultation, the Ordos Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital recently successfully treated several elderly patients (some as centenarians at most) with hip fractures and received surgical treatment. The patients recovered well after the operation and were discharged successfully.
Left picture: before operation Right picture: after operation
Postoperative rehabilitation exercise (exercise prescription)
How to prevent it?
▲ It is rare to go out in rainy or snowy days. If you must go out, be accompanied by someone and wear non-slip shoes.
▲Bathrooms and toilets should also have non-slip floor mats , and the floors should be wiped dry in time.
▲After waking up, don’t get out of bed in a hurry. Wait until your brain is awake before getting out of bed.
▲If necessary, supplement calcium and vitamin D under the guidance of a physician, and also perform exercises that are effective and suitable for your own conditions. Strong bones and strong muscles can protect your bones and prevent them from breaking easily.
▲Be sure to wear suitable shoes, stable shoes.
In short, in the event of a fracture, if you think you have the conditions for surgery, you should try your best to have surgery and get out of bed early to reduce complications, improve quality of life, and save lives. (Contributed by: Orthopedics and Traumatology )
