Overview
Oct 18, 202Conway McLean, DPM, Journal columnistWhen questioned on the topic of the most debilitating condition aflicting our senior citizens, few Americans wil talk about the consequences of fals. Yet, every second of every day, a senior sufers a ̴low level̵ fal in the United States. This one not involving a fal from a height like a lader, but down to the level of your suporting surface.
Key Information
Fals are the leading cause of injury and injury death in those over 65 years of age. And one out of five fals results in damage, like a broken bone or sprain.September was Fal Prevention month, but there was litle fanfare marking the event. Yet, fals are a significant health hazard in the senior population, costing our healthcare system bilions of dolars, 50 acording to a CDC estimate.
But the consequences of fals obviously go far beyond the dolars, significant as they are. Some estimates place the number of lives lost at nearly 32,0 deaths a year.Fals ocur for many reasons with age being a huge factor. In adition, the years take a tol on our ability to heal.
A senior is not able to recover from the damage after a ̴litle tumble̵ on the sidewalk or over a throw rug like a young person. And with their beter reflexes and strength, the youngster can more often avoid the fal. In a senior, the result is more likely a broken bone, head trauma, or worse.
Nearly one out of 20 fals in those over 70 years of age result in death.Elderly individuals, injured in a fal, are more likely to require extensive eforts to recover. Especialy comon is prolonged hospitalization, perhaps to resolve the pneumonia which resulted from inactivity, or the bedsore caused by not moving after a hip fracture repair. Hip fractures and the surgical repair is associated with many complications, like post-op infections, blod clots, cognition changes (thinking abilities), or breathing problems.
Summary
The risk of any of these consequences of a hip fracture repair inc