Get Treated for a Geriatric Fracture

Geriatric Fracture 11220

As people get older, their bones tend to become more brittle. This problem, called osteoporosis, is especially true of people over 50, and more women will have problems with it than men. Both men and women can experience geriatric fracture, which includes fractures in the hip, arm, or vertebrae.

The Potential Problems Caused by the Fracture

To younger people, a broken bone may not be so bad. In fact, it is not unusual when a younger person experiences a broken bone. For a senior, however, depending on their age and the type of break, it may require hospitalization and possibly lead to death. More than 35,000 people die annually as a result of complications from it.

Fractures of the hip or vertebrae often lead to further complications, which is why getting the right kind of treatment is very important. After a fracture, seniors can experience immobility, pain, depression, and a loss of independence. Specialized care may be needed for up to three years after the incident.

There are three things that need to be watched for right after a fracture. This involves the problems of pain management, thromboembolism (a blood clot), and delirium. Delirium is most likely to occur in the hospital as a result of medications used for pain management, often caused by not enough pain medications.

Symptoms of a Hip Fracture

After a fall, there are usually going to be some symptoms if the hip has been fractured. The most common symptoms include a lot of pain in the groin or hip area, a shorter leg on the side of the injury, and not being able to place any weight on the injured side of your hip.

Diagnosing Fractures

The Quality First Urgent Care center is able to diagnose and treat a geriatric fracture. The center has the latest high-tech scanning equipment, including x-ray, ultrasound, CT, and MRI, which enables us to locate fractures and other problems.

Steps to Preventing Fractures

Some issues are more apt to lead to a fall in seniors. These include medications, balance problems, and poor vision or lighting. The likelihood of fractures can be reduced by taking some rather simple steps. These steps include:

  • Cleaning up spills quickly
  • Keeping walkways and stairs clear of clutter
  • Good lighting
  • Handrails on stairs
  • Secure loose rugs
  • Regular exercise – 30 minutes daily
  • Good nutrition

Therapy Will Be Necessary

In the event of a hip fracture, surgery will often be required. This usually means either repairing the hip surgically, or having hip replacement surgery. Doctors will often require you to get out of bed on the first day after you have the surgery. Therapy will likely be necessary for several months afterward to get the muscles working properly. It will likely be done at an extended care facility, and will continue at home.

You can receive diagnosis for a possible geriatric fracture at the Quality First Urgent Care center in south Brooklyn, New York. We have excellent diagnostic equipment and you will receive fast results. We get you diagnosed quickly and treated on site. Walk-ins are welcome and we are open from 11:00am to 11:00pm every day, including on holidays.

 

Geriatric Fracture Doctor

6010 Bay Parkway, 9th floor
Brooklyn, NY 11204
718-475-1700