Fracture Care for Adults and Elderly Patients | Dr. Prasoon Shamshery
Fractures are common injuries that can occur across all age groups, but their management varies significantly between adults and elderly individuals. While adults often recover well with appropriate treatment, elderly patients face unique challenges due to age-related factors like bone fragility, slower healing, and co-existing health conditions.
As a highly experienced Orthopaedic and Joint Replacement Specialist in Lucknow, Dr. Prasoon Shamshery offers expert, individualized care in managing fractures—whether they result from trauma, falls, or age-related bone weakening. This blog explores how fractures differ in adults and the elderly, the goals of fracture management, and modern treatment approaches.
Understanding Fractures and Their Causes
A fracture refers to a break in the continuity of a bone and can range from a simple crack to a complex, displaced break. The common causes include:
In adults: High-impact trauma, sports injuries, road accidents, and occupational hazards.
In the elderly: Low-impact falls, osteoporosis-related weakening of bones, and poor balance or coordination.
Elderly individuals are more prone to hip fractures, wrist fractures, and vertebral compression fractures, often due to minimal trauma that wouldn't affect younger individuals.
Key Differences in Fracture Management: Adults vs. Elderly
While the primary goal in both age groups is to restore mobility and function, the approach often differs due to varying healing capacities, bone quality, and overall health conditions.
1. Bone Density and Healing
Adults typically have stronger bones and better regenerative capacity.
Elderly patients often have osteoporosis or brittle bones, leading to complex fracture patterns and slower healing.
2. Surgical Considerations
Adults can often undergo surgical fixation more easily.
In elderly patients, surgery must be carefully planned considering cardiac health, risk of infections, and anesthesia tolerance.
3. Rehabilitation Goals
Adults can return to full function and activity with proper rehab.
In elderly patients, the focus is often on restoring independence, preventing complications like bed sores or pneumonia, and avoiding re-injury.
Types of Fractures Commonly Treated
Dr. Prasoon Shamshery frequently manages a wide range of fractures in both adults and elderly patients, including:
Hip fractures: Common in elderly individuals due to falls and osteoporosis. Often requires surgical fixation or joint replacement.
Wrist fractures (Distal Radius): Can occur in both adults and older adults. Timely immobilization or surgical correction is essential for hand function.
Spinal compression fractures: Often seen in osteoporotic elderly patients. Managed conservatively or with minimally invasive procedures like vertebroplasty.
Ankle and leg fractures: Require precise alignment and stabilization, especially in weight-bearing bones.
Modern Treatment Approaches in Fracture Management
Dr. Shamshery employs the latest evidence-based treatments to ensure optimal outcomes:
1. Conservative Management
Immobilization with casts, splints, or braces
Ideal for stable, non-displaced fractures
Frequently used in elderly patients with minimal displacement
2. Surgical Fixation
Internal fixation with plates, screws, rods, or pins
Required in complex or displaced fractures
Allows faster mobilization and reduces complications from prolonged bed rest
3. Joint Replacement
In elderly patients with severe joint damage or fractured hip joints
Total or partial joint replacement offers excellent pain relief and restores function
4. Bone Health Management
Evaluation and treatment of underlying osteoporosis
Vitamin D and calcium supplementation, along with anti-resorptive medications
5. Rehabilitation and Physiotherapy
Early mobilization to prevent stiffness, weakness, and complications
Tailored programs for strength, balance, and gait training
Special Considerations in Elderly Patients
Fracture management in elderly patients requires a multidisciplinary approach that includes:
Nutritional support for healing
Fall prevention strategies
Home environment modifications
Regular monitoring for complications like deep vein thrombosis or pressure ulcers
Dr. Prasoon Shamshery ensures individualized care plans that account for each patient’s age, bone health, comorbidities, and lifestyle needs.
Fractures can be life-altering, especially in the elderly. Timely diagnosis, appropriate treatment, and comprehensive rehabilitation are key to restoring mobility and quality of life. Whether you’re an active adult or caring for an aging parent, consult Dr. Prasoon Shamshery in Lucknow for expert orthopedic care tailored to individual needs.
Disclaimer: The information provided here should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. The information is provided solely for educational purpose and should not be considered a substitute for medical advice.
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