Division of Endocrinology, Hospital San José, Bogotá, Colombia.
Division of Geriatric Medicine, La cardio/Fundación Cardioinfantil, Bogotá, Colombia.
Clin Interv Aging. 2024 Jan 24;19:133-140. doi: 10.2147/CIA.S433999. eCollection 2024.
Fragility fractures occur because of low-impact trauma or even spontaneously in individuals with osteoporosis. Caring for older persons with fragility fractures can present several challenges due to the unique needs and vulnerabilities of this population. Older individuals commonly have multiple medical conditions, such as osteoporosis, arthritis, cardiovascular diseases, and diabetes. These comorbidities can complicate fracture management and increase the risk of complications. Fracture repair through surgery may be more complex in older patients due to poor bone quality, decreased tissue elasticity, and higher chances of anesthesia complications. In addition, mobility and functional limitations post-fracture are highly prevalent in this population, affecting their independence and increasing their risk of institutionalization. Addressing these challenges requires a multidisciplinary approach involving orthopedic surgeons, geriatricians, physical and rehabilitation physicians, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, dieticians, social workers, and caregivers. Preventive measures, such as fall prevention strategies and osteoporosis management, can also play a vital role in reducing the incidence of fragility fractures in older persons.
脆性骨折是由于骨质疏松症患者受到低冲击力创伤甚至自发性创伤引起的。由于这一人群的特殊需求和脆弱性，照顾患有脆性骨折的老年人可能会带来一些挑战。老年人通常患有多种疾病，如骨质疏松症、关节炎、心血管疾病和糖尿病。这些合并症可能使骨折管理复杂化，并增加并发症的风险。由于骨质量差、组织弹性降低以及麻醉并发症的几率较高，老年患者的骨折修复手术可能更为复杂。此外，该人群骨折后活动能力和功能限制非常普遍，影响其独立性并增加其住院风险。应对这些挑战需要多学科方法，涉及骨科医生、老年病学家、物理和康复医生、物理治疗师、职业治疗师、营养师、社会工作者和护理人员。预防措施，如预防跌倒策略和骨质疏松症管理，也可以在减少老年人脆性骨折的发生率方面发挥重要作用。
