Fractures in
Older Adults
Condition Description
Breaks in bone continuity common in elderly due to increased fragility and fall risk
Etiology
Primary causes and risk factors leading to fractures in older adults
Pathophysiology
Biological mechanisms underlying increased fracture risk
Diagnostics
Methods to identify and assess fractures
Contributing Factors
Factors that increase symptoms and complications
Common Types:
- Hip fractures (most serious)
- Vertebral compression
- Distal radius (Colles')
- Proximal humerus
- Pelvic fractures
Primary Causes:
- Falls (90% of hip fractures)
- Osteoporosis (bone density loss)
- Medications: sedatives, antihypertensives
- Vision problems
- Balance disorders
- Environmental hazards
- Vitamin D deficiency
Key Mechanisms:
- Bone remodeling imbalance: ↑resorption, ↓formation
- Trabecular thinning
- Cortical porosity
- Decreased osteoblast activity
- Hormonal changes: ↓estrogen/testosterone
- Impaired calcium absorption
- Sarcopenia (muscle loss)
Diagnostic Tools:
- X-rays: initial imaging
- CT scan: complex fractures
- MRI: occult fractures
- DEXA scan: bone density
- Lab tests: Ca²⁺, Vit D, PTH
- FRAX tool: fracture risk assessment
Symptom Factors:
- Delayed healing: poor circulation
- Comorbidities: diabetes, CVD
- Malnutrition
- Cognitive impairment
- Social isolation
- Fear of falling
- Polypharmacy
- Immobility complications