Hip Fracture in the elderly patients

Hip fracture, defined as the break that is associated with the upper part of the femur (thigh bone) which includes neck of femur, I-T femur fractures . It is one of the most common geriatric conditions. The Incidence of this complication is increasing enormously in the older (> 65) population and can be even fatal. Since its prevalence has increased in recent years, it is referred to as an “age-specific epidemic condition”.

At Joint and bone Solutions you will get the best consultancy from a dedicated team of doctors who ensures the right hip fracture treatment in gurgaon and high care for their patients.

This article provides you an insight on how geriatric hip fracture can be treated with a brief about the warning signs that are to be taken care of and the recovery of the treatments provided.

Table Of Contents

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1. Hip Fractures and Old age
2. How is Hip Fracture in elderly life Threatening?
3. Signs and Symptoms of Hip Fractures in elderly
4. How are geriatric hip fractures treated?
5. What does the recovery look like?

Take Away

1. Hip Fracture and old age

As we age the bone density decreases but the problems relating to it crop up. One among them is a hip fracture. Low bone mass and natural deterioration in bone tissue make the bone fragile and that’s why aged people are more prone to such fractures. One of the other reasons for hip breakage can be a fall. Elderly people often fall sideways probably because of poor eyesight or mobility issues or balancing problems.

Anyone with fragile bones too can have a hip injury/fracture; however, hip fracture is more an age-related condition and can lead to immobility and added complications such as blood clotting, urine infections, bedsores, enhanced loss in muscle mass, pneumonia, injuries which can be life-threatening as well.

2. How is Hip Fracture in the elderly life-threatening?

Associated parameters of ageing can directly or indirectly increase the likelihood of this life-threatening situation that is a hip fracture.

The associated factors causing hip fracture can be:

• Aged people have less muscle mass, low bone density, mobility issues, poor eyesight, often lose balance during their activities, and can fall to have fractures.
• Weak bone conditions like osteoporosis or any previous fracture can aggravate the risks.
• Hyperthyroidism, Diabetes, low blood pressure, cancer, any other medical or co-morbid condition can weaken the bones causing fractures.
• Vitamin D, Calcium, helps in strengthening the bones. Taking an adequate amount of nutritional supplements/ balanced diet can reduce the likeliness of fracture.
• Neurological situations such as Parkinson’s disease, peripheral neuropathy, dementia, cognitive impairment, etc contribute to the risk of falling.
• The side effects of certain medications like sedatives, sleep pills, etc can cause dizziness and can make one fall.
• Lack of physical activities and lifestyle indulgences such as alcohol, tobacco, are more likely to weaken the bones and muscles and increase fracture risk.

3. Signs and symptoms of hip fractures in elderly

The area where the hip fracture occurs is near the neck of the femur bone where it gets bracketed by the pelvic joint. A fracture can be either inside the socket of the hip joint which is called intracapsular fracture or outside the joint that is an extracapsular fracture. The signs and symptoms seen in both possibilities are as follows:

• Tremendous pain in the hip region with an unusual discomfort.
• Inability to bear weight on the affected limb.
• Inability to get up after a fall and walk.
• Unable to move or rotate the affected leg.
• Formation of bruises or swelling around the lower hip region
• Inability to press your legs against the ground and stand firmly.
• Legs lose the ability to take your body weight.
• The injured legs appear a bit shorter than the other leg.
• Malrotation deformity where the injured leg turns towards the other side.

While we observe these symptoms especially in the elderly, consulting an Orthopaedician becomes necessary. The specialist will further conduct a diagnostic evaluation and assess the possible risk factors. The Doctor can then guide you to the best possible treatment.

4. How are geriatric hip fractures treated?

Treatment for geriatric hip fractures is a surgery that is done within a day or two of diagnosis which is followed by a recovery stage or physiotherapy. Surgery of these fractures depends on different aspects such as the region of the fracture, its severity, age, associated risk factors, and other health-related concerns. Types of surgeries are:

• Internal fixation of the fractured hip: This surgery is done with the help of implant such as screws, plates, rods, that are attached to the bone after reduction of fracture and tightly held till the fracture is united fixed. This surgery is preferred for extra capsular fractures/intertrochanteric fracturesr.
• HemiArthroplasty or partial hip replacement: Highly considered for people with intracapsular fracture above the age of 65 years. Here the upper part of the femoral head (thigh bone) is replaced with a prosthesis (plastic/metal) to ease movement of the joint.
• Complete hip replacement: This surgery involves the removal of both the upper femoral head and the socket of the joint and replacement with a prosthetic ball and a prosthetic socket is respectively done.

Complete or partial replacement of the injured part is generally considered especially when the blood supply to the joint is impaired in patients above age of 65 years. The treatments are less painful, minimally invasive, and aid in a quick recovery.

5. What does recovery look like?

After the Surgery, you will be shifted to a recovery area for further invigilation. It may take a day or two for discharge (depending on the complexity of the case) which would be done with prescribed post-operative care and tips you may have to follow. Your recovery depends on your health condition and how well you follow the prescribed regime. This may take about 6 to12 weeks.

A complete healing process is achieved with physiotherapy which would enhance your mobility with exercises, physical training for strength, proper balance, and helpful in recovery as well.

Our aim in every patient is to mobilise the patient as soon as possible after the surgery to reduce the complications associated with the immoblisation.

Takeaway

A geriatric hip fracture can be prevented with certain precautionary measures, and to know more about it and geriatric hip fracture treatment options.

Joint and Bone Solutions for the best treatment, surgery, and personalized care by one of the best Elders hip fracture doctors in Gurgaon. Joint and Bone Solutions provides you with the best Elders hip treatment in Gurgaon at an affordable cost from well-experienced doctors.