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Fractures in old age

One of the consequences of aging and the changes that advanced age produces in the human organism - osteoporosis, loss of muscle mass, poor nutrition, etc. - is that older people have a greater risk of falls. A high percentage of them result in a fracture, with the wrist being the most frequent, as the tendency in these cases is to support the hand to cushion the blow. Wrist fractures are especially frequent in elderly women, since after menopause they suffer a progressive demineralisation of the bones, leading to the development of osteopenia or osteoporosis, which makes them more prone to fractures. The most important problem in these cases is that, despite the fact that the treatment is adequate, many times the functionality of the joint is not fully recovered, limiting the development of routine activities - making food, cleaning the house, driving, shopping, etc. - in such a way that their quality of life is considerably affected.

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Symptoms and Treatment

Regardless of whether the diagnosis is confirmed by X-ray, a physical examination may be sufficient to determine that a wrist fracture has occurred, as the symptoms are very evident: Intense pain, inflammation, sensitivity to pressure, redness of the area where the fracture occurred, limitation of movement of the entire joint or thumb of the hand, inability to grasp any object and appreciable deformation of the area where the fracture occurred. The treatment consists of reducing the fracture and immobilizing the wrist with a plaster cast, having to wear the arm in a sling for a few days. In some occasions a surgical intervention may be necessary to place some screw or device to fix the fractured bone.

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How to prevent them?

Avoiding falls is the best way to prevent wrist fractures. And for it it is enough to adopt a series of measures. For example, to go down the street, wear rubber-soled footwear and avoid heels; pay close attention to the obstacles on the road so as not to trip over them and, if you feel a certain insecurity when walking, it is preferable to do so with a cane. At home you will have to fix or remove the carpets, place handles in the bathrooms, illuminate the different rooms very well, avoid going up and down stairs, and so on. Another important aspect of prevention is food, as it has been found that 60% of older people are deficient in vitamin D, essential for fixing calcium in the bones and, therefore, to prevent the development of osteoporosis. A diet rich in these nutrients will go a long way towards strengthening bones. Regular exercise is the other aspect of prevention, as walking a minimum of half an hour a day also helps to maintain bone mineralization. Swimming or exercising in the water is also recommended, as it helps to improve coordination and maintain elasticity and muscle strength.

Dr. Leopoldo Maizo - Orthopedic Surgeon

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