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Geriatrics
As we become older, our bones follow suit. Special bone care needs become a priority with age, including treatment for hip fractures and other fall injuries. Ortho Force and their support team provide assistance to maximize independence while patients recover from surgery.
What is Osteoporosis?
Bones are living tissues that are constantly changing. The body replenishes old bone with new bone to keep the structure strong. Osteoporosis prevents new bone formation from keeping up with the loss of old bone. This contributes to bone weakness and increases the risk of fractures. Patients suffering from osteoporosis experience loss of spine bone (vertebrae) height called compression fractures. They are also more susceptible to hip and wrist fractures if they sustain a fall.
A bone density test can determine a patient’s level of osteoporosis and his or her risk for fractures. If the patient is at risk, a doctor may want to prescribe medication to treat this condition.
What is a Hip Fracture?
About 300,000 broken hips occur in the United States every year. The patients are usually elderly people who sustain a fall injury, and they almost always require surgery to stabilize the broken pieces of the upper thigh bone (femur). Surgery reduces fracture pain and also allows the patient to mobilize more quickly. Mobility reduces the risk of complications such as blood clots, bed sores and pneumonia. Many patients become less independent after a hip fracture, so a stay in the rehabilitation unit for additional therapy is advised to maximize independence.
Types of hip fracture surgery:
- Hemiarthroplasty (Half hip replacement): This treatment is used for a femoral neck fracture. The broken ball of the hip is removed and replaced with an artificial metal ball (femoral implant). Patients can often bear full weight on the injured hip the day after surgery.
- Open Reduction Internal Fixation: This treatment is performed on lower hip fractures. Broken pieces are stabilized using metal plates, screws, pins or rods. Weight-bearing limitations are determined by the fracture stability and the strength of the bone.
Home Safety Tips
Follow these tips to reduce your risk of a fall or other injury:
- Eliminate throw rugs, plastic runners and extension cords when possible
- Make sure that extension cords are tucked away to avoid tripping
- Use non-skid door mats in entry ways
- Check for wobbly stair railings and have them repaired
- Install a railing on both sides of staircases
- The path from bed to bathroom should be well lit
- Place rubber mats inside and outside of the tub or shower to reduce the risk of slipping
- Install grab bars inside the tub/shower and beside the toilet
- Arrange frequently-used kitchen items to reduce the need for bending, stooping and reaching
- Consider a local service that provides a necklace-type alert device
- If an elder family member lives alone, agree to a daily time for a check-in phone call
- A medication organizer can be helpful for those on multiple medications to prevent missing or forgetting doses
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