[tag-tec]Geriatric fractures[/tag-tec] or fractures in elderly people are special category of fractures in adults. With age the bones loose their mineral content and become weak, a situation called [tag-tec]osteoporosis[/tag-tec]. Therefore old people are prone to injuries with minimal trauma. A trauma which would be tolerated easily in young adults would result in fractures in elderly. Therefore, a few fractures are more common and typical of old age. These include fracture neck of femur, fracture of intertrochanteric region in femur and fracture of distal end of radius.
There are a lot of associated problems too and that make the fractures in elderly different. As the joints age, they are more prone to get stiff with immobolisation. That demands watchfulness and extensive physiotherapy for these persons. Elderly people also have many other problems or illnesses. Diabetes, hypertension, cardiac problems, respiratory illness, neurological problems are frequent accompaniment of old age. Therefore elderly people are at more risk when compared to young adults for any kind of surgical procedure.
With increase in our understanding of causes of associated morbidity, newer devices and newer treatment methods aim at reduction of all these. But still, elderly people is a subgroup of population who stand the higher risk.
There is a social problem too. Many of the old people are not cared enough or are provided a reluctant care by their family. Many stay alone because their children have moved to some other place. This frequently results in depression and lack of enthusiasm to live. We need to have a relook into our social structure.
Most practical is to avoid trauma. This would prevent getting injured and the morbidity that follows. With some simple precautions , one can avoid falling or tripping.
Elderly people should also make an active effort to maintain an active lifestyle and take a good diet. This would help them to keep a good bone stock for a long time.
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