Hip Fractures in the Elderly

Hip fracture can no doubt occur at any age, but elderly, especially those older than 65 years are found to be more likely to break their hips easily. In fact, old age is a major risk factor of hip fracture. Gradual loss of bone density is responsible for increasing the risk of hip fractures in seniors. Hip fracture usually involves the hip joint or the four proximal femurs. Hip fracture is classified into three types, femoral head fracture, femoral neck fracture and Intertrochanteric fracture. When the fracture involves the femoral head, it is known as femoral head fracture. Femoral neck fracture refers to the fracture near the femoral head in the neck between the head and the trochanter. Intertrochanteric fracture on the other hand, is the fracture that occurs between the greater and the lesser trochanter of the Intertrochanteric line.

Hip Fracture in Aged People

Causes
A fall and sustaining a blow to the hip joint or the side of the hip are the main causes of fracture in the hips. The risk of fracture due to such injury increases with growing age, as the bones start to lose minerals. Loss of bone density coupled with decline in the sense of balance, slowed reaction time and weak muscles are the factors that make the elderly more susceptible to get hip or other bone fracture easily. It has been found that the older women are more likely to suffer from hip fracture than older men. This is because, women after menopause are more likely to suffer from loss of bone density or osteoporosis due to a significant drop in the level of the hormone, estrogen.

Osteoporosis can be considered as one of the most common risk factors for hip fracture. Nutritional deficiency, especially deficiency of vitamin D and calcium is another major factor that increases the risk of fracture in old age. Metabolic bone diseases such as, osteomalacia and Paget's disease can also increase the risk of fracture. Some other possible causes are, lack of physical activities or exercises, certain medications, use of excessive alcohol and tobacco and bone tumors. Apart from these, conditions like arthritis can adversely affect movement and thereby, increase the risk of falling and sustaining injury to the hip.

Symptoms
It is almost always accompanied by severe pain and an inability to bear weight on the leg. The pain is felt in the hip or groin area. Apart from hip pain, immobility and stiffness or swelling in and around the hip are some other signs of hip fracture. The leg on the broken side of the hip can also turn outward. But at times, hip fracture may not cause significant pain and so, remain unsuspected.

Diagnosis and Treatment
It is usually detected with the help of X-ray and CT or MRI scan. There are three approaches for its treatment, surgery, medication and rehabilitation. Surgery is the most effective and commonly used treatment option for hip fracture, unless a serious illness makes it risky. The type of surgery used depends on the type of hip fracture, i.e. the part of the hip that is fractured. Sometimes, hip replacement can also be required for treating hip fracture. Surgery is often followed by rehabilitation and medication. Rehabilitation basically involves physical therapy to facilitate the process of recovery.

Medications are usually given for strengthening the bones by increasing bone density. Such medications are usually given to reduce the risk of hip fracture in the future. Medications alone are however, not sufficient for the prevention of this condition. For preventing hip and other types of fracture in old age, it is very important to exercise regularly. The weight bearing exercises like, walking is very good for the elderly. Along with exercising, make sure that the diet contains enough vitamin D and calcium. If diet is not providing enough vitamin D and calcium, then supplementation can be considered. Along with these, it is equally important to lower the risk of fall, which can be done by properly arranging the furniture in your home, keeping electrical cords out of the way, removing unwanted rugs, proper lighting and getting the eyes checked up regularly.