Hip fractures can be a cause of death in the elderly
Hip fractures occur mostly in elderly people due to bone resorption. Noting that the decrease in muscle strength and balance, together with the impairment in vision, facilitated the reduction Asst. Prof. Gülşah Kınalı said: “Treatment of fractures requiring surgery may be difficult due to other additional problems such as high blood pressure, heart and diabetes. 30 percent of patients with hip fractures die in the first year”.
Hip fractures in young people due to high-energy trauma, such as a traffic accident or a fall from a high place, can occur with a simple fall in old age due to osteoporosis. This situation is much higher in women than men. Giving information about the prevention of hip fracture which is one of the most important problems encountered in old age Asst. Prof. At Istanbul Gelisim University Gülşah Kınalı said: “With impaired vision, decreased muscle strength and balance facilitates the fall and associates fractures; The treatment of fractures that require surgery becomes difficult due to other additional problems such as high blood pressure, heart diseases and diabetes. 30 percent of patients with hip fractures die in the first year”.
PRESSURE WOUND IS THE MOST IMPORTANT PROBLEM
Emphasizing that after the fracture, the aim is to return the patient to his previous lifestyle as soon as possible Asst. Prof. Kınalı noted: “For long periods of time, patients who are bedridden may develop pressure sores and blood clotting in the leg veins may throb clots in the lungs. It is important to ensure rapid postoperative mobility after hip fracture. Physiotherapist support should be taken during the post-fracture physiotherapy and rehabilitation process. Air bearings should be used to prevent pressure sores and the patient's lying position should be changed frequently”.
INCREASE YOUR MUSCLE FORCE
Stating that bone resorption must be recognized Asst. Prof. Dr. Kınalı said: “In particular, women should receive support from their doctors for increased risk and treatment approaches after menopause. They should do regular daily exercise. They should select exercises and activities to increase muscle strength and balance, especially in the legs. Tai-Chi, pilates exercises may be suitable for these people. They’d better dance or do gardening. ‘Crouching knee pad’ is important in gardening while squatting”.
“MAKE REGULAR TESTS”
Emphasizing that especially those who are over 60 years old should have regular vision and hearing tests Asst. Prof. Dr. Kınalı added: “Visual and hearing loss is one of the factors that disrupt balance and cause falls. They should take regular sunlight for vitamin D. They can choose the appropriate time of day to avoid sunburn. The best sources of vitamin D in terms of nutrition are oily fish and eggs. They should consume cheese, yogurt, and fish. Foot health is also very important at this point. Unsupervised shoes that do not provide good floor support spoil balance”.
“ASK AN OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST”
Noting a man must care ergonomic regulations to prevent possible dangers at home Asst. Prof. Dr. Kınalı also mentioned the need to consult with occupational therapists. Sorting out the importance that can be taken inside and outside the house Kınalı, continued as follows:
“Door sills should be removed, cables should not be on the floor, if possible, carpets should be fixed to the floor, bathroom and toilet should have holding bars, bath and bathtub should be used in non-slip, people with neurological discomfort should not be allowed to walk without support. Garden tools should be stored in a safe place when not in use. They should also pay attention to the pits as they walk on wet grass and uneven surfaces, they should wear a shoe that supports well. Overgrown plants, weeds, plants overgrown in the garden will make the floor slippery and unsafe, so it must be cleaned. People should spend their time to adapt to the light and escape from the sudden movement. Poorly lit areas distort balance and vision. Good lighting is very important”.
Created Date: : Tuesday, January 29, 2019