What Should Be Done When an Elderly Person Falls and Fractures a Bone?

Update Date: 2024-05-16 Source: Network

As people age, calcium in the bones gradually diminishes, leading to a more fragile bone structure. Elderly individuals are prone to fractures when they fall, and it is crucial for them to rest in bed and supplement calcium to strengthen their bones. Additionally, exposure to sunlight can aid in calcium absorption. Typical symptoms of fracture patients include local deformation, abnormal movements of limbs, audible bone rubbing sounds when moving limbs, severe pain, local swelling and bruising, and motor dysfunction.

The ultimate goal of treating fractures is to restore the injured limb to its maximum functional capacity. Therefore, the three fundamental principles of reduction, immobilization, and functional exercise are crucial in the treatment of fractures:

1. Reduction involves restoring the displaced bone ends back to their normal or nearly anatomical position to re-establish the supportive role of the bone. Methods of reduction include closed reduction and surgical reduction.

2. After reduction, the fracture is unstable and prone to redisplacement. Therefore, various methods are employed to immobilize it in a satisfactory position for gradual healing. Common immobilization techniques include small splints, plaster bandages, external fixation devices, and traction fixation. These methods are collectively referred to as external fixation. Internal fixation involves surgically fixing the fracture with plates, pins, intramedullary nails, screws, and other devices.

3. Functional exercise involves contracting the muscles of the injured limb to improve blood circulation around the fracture site, promote bone healing, and prevent muscle atrophy. Active or passive movements of unfixed joints are also performed to prevent joint adhesions and capsular contractions, enabling the injured limb to regain its normal function as quickly as possible.