Since the beginning of winter, many places have experienced cooling weather. Roads are prone to ice formation, and the number of patients suffering from slips and falls has increased significantly.

Among them, the risk of fractures caused by osteoporosis in the elderly is greatly increased, which not only affects the quality of life of the elderly, but may also bring fatal consequences.

Avoiding "fatal" fractures, preventing falls and treating osteoporosis are key.

Pay attention to the warning signs to prevent osteoporosis

　　Osteoporosis is a common bone disease, which mainly manifests as bone loss and structural destruction of bone tissue, resulting in increased bone fragility and susceptibility to fractures.

It is a disease that lacks typical symptoms. Most patients have no obvious clinical symptoms. Some patients may experience symptoms such as back pain, spinal deformation, and pain in multiple joints throughout the body. Many patients only learn of its existence after a fracture. .

　　In fact, older people are at a higher risk of osteoporosis, especially women.

Risk factors for osteoporosis include advanced age, female menopause, family history of fragility fractures, low physical activity, insufficient sun exposure, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, calcium and/or vitamin D deficiency, excessive consumption of caffeinated beverages, and nutritional imbalances. , underweight, etc.

　　Osteoporosis can lead to multiple fractures throughout the body, with fractures in the hip, spine, and wrist being the most common.

These fractures may lead to long-term bedridden, disability or even death, placing a heavy burden on families and society.

　　Some diseases can also cause or aggravate osteoporosis, including hyperthyroidism, diabetes, rheumatic immune diseases, gastrointestinal diseases, etc.

At the same time, long-term use of drugs that affect bone metabolism, such as glucocorticoids, aromatase inhibitors (breast cancer treatment drugs), etc., can also lead to osteoporosis.

　　Bone density examination is the most effective screening method for osteoporosis.

If an elderly person fractures due to a slight external force or a fall on the ground, this is likely to be an "osteoporotic fracture", which means that the patient has osteoporosis and needs attention.

Pay Attention to Postoperative Rehabilitation to Prevent Re-Fracture

　　If an elderly person feels hip pain, is unable to sit up, stand, or has difficulty walking after a fall, they should be highly vigilant about whether a hip fracture has occurred.

Generally, doctors can get an intuitive and clear diagnosis through X-rays taken by patients.

However, there are a few cases where X-rays do not show obvious fractures.

At this time, further CT scan or MRI examination is required, among which MRI examination has a higher accuracy rate.

　　Patients with hip fractures should receive surgical treatment as soon as possible if their physical condition allows.

The purpose of surgery is to relieve pain as soon as possible, get the patient out of bed as early as possible, avoid complications caused by long-term bed rest (such as pressure sores, lung infections, deep vein thrombosis of the lower limbs, etc.), and restore the patient to pre-injury functions as much as possible level, so that the elderly who can take care of themselves before the injury can recover their walking function, so that more elderly patients with hip fractures can receive optimal treatment in the shortest time.

　　Postoperative fracture pain usually decreases to varying degrees.

When the patient is conscious and able to cooperate, the patient can sit up and practice contraction of the lower limb muscles in the early postoperative period.

If the patient's general condition permits, he can leave the bed and move around as early as possible with the assistance of a walker.

Under the guidance of professional rehabilitation doctors, patients’ recovery results will be better.

　　For elderly patients, the above rehabilitation treatment is not enough, because the risk of another fracture in elderly people who have suffered a hip fracture is very high, so preventing another fracture is as important as surgical treatment for elderly patients, including fall prevention and treatment. Osteoporosis.

Osteoporosis is a chronic systemic disease, similar to hypertension and diabetes, that requires long-term standardized treatment to reduce the risk of further fractures.

Improve bone health and pay attention to a balanced diet

　　Preventing fractures is more important than treating them, especially for the elderly.

Regardless of whether there have been previous fractures, older adults can improve their bone health by taking some simple steps in their daily lives.

　　In terms of lifestyle, the elderly can pay attention to the following points: strengthen nutrition, have a balanced diet, and increase the intake of calcium-rich foods, such as dairy products, soy products, seafood, nuts, green leafy vegetables, etc.; ensure adequate and direct intake of calcium-rich foods. Sunlight for more than half an hour a day; maintain regular exercise, such as walking, doing Tai Chi, dancing, practicing yoga, etc.; quit smoking and avoid excessive drinking, coffee and carbonated drinks; adopt anti-fall facilities, such as bathroom non-slip mats, handrails, etc.

　　In addition, supplementing with adequate amounts of calcium and vitamin D every day is also an effective way to maintain bone health.

Generally speaking, a daily supplement of 500-600 mg of calcium and 1000-2000 international units (IU) of vitamin D can meet the needs of most elderly people.

　　It should be noted that for patients who have been clearly diagnosed with osteoporosis or who have experienced fragility fractures, the above measures alone are not enough to achieve the purpose of treatment. They also need to receive long-term standardized treatment under the guidance of a professional doctor.

　　(Li Ning is the deputy chief physician of the Department of Traumatology and Orthopedics of Beijing Jishuitan Hospital, and Wu Xinbao is an expert in the National Health Science Expert Database and the chief physician of the Department of Traumatology and Orthopedics of Beijing Jishuitan Hospital)

　　Author: Li Ning Wu Xinbao

　　Source: People’s Daily Overseas Edition