Femur Fracture in Older Adults
Most fractures in older adults are caused by a combination of weak bones and falls.
As a person ages, their bones naturally become weaker. After menopause, reduced levels of the hormone estrogen decrease bone mass in women and make bones thinner. In their seventies, men lose testosterone, and their bones also become weaker, making both genders equally susceptible to fractures.
Additionally, the risk of falling increases with age as balance and vision deteriorate, reflexes slow down, and coordination worsens. Older adults often take medications that may cause drowsiness or dizziness, making falls even more likely.
When bones become fragile, even minor movements can cause a fracture, with one of the most high-risk being a femur fracture in older adults.
What is a femur fracture in older adults?
A femur fracture is a serious injury that requires immediate medical attention.
The femur is the leg bone extending from the hip to the knee and is also the longest, heaviest, and strongest bone in the human body. Since it is highly resistant and requires significant force to break, younger adults usually sustain this injury during falls from great heights or traffic accidents.
However, for people older than 65, the risk of femur fracture is increased, even from seemingly minor falls, due to their fragile bones and poor movement coordination. In addition to the extremely severe pain associated with a femur fracture in older adults, the following complications may also occur:
• If an open fracture occurs, the bone can penetrate the skin, resulting in significant blood loss.
• A fracture in the upper part of the femur may lead to a hip fracture in older adults, which is common among individuals with osteoporosis.
• A fracture in the lower part of the femur (fracture of the distal femur in older adults) can cause knee damage, which is a common issue for individuals with osteoporosis or those with artificial knees (prostheses).
• Uneven healing of the femur may result in the leg becomi
How to recognize a femur fracture?
If you witness an older person’s fall or find them unable to stand, here are signs that may indicate a femur fracture:
- Severe pain
- Inability to put weight on the injured leg
- Fragments of the femur penetrating the skin, causing bleeding (open fracture)
- Fragments of the femur protruding just under the skin without breaking it (closed fracture)
- Noticeable bruising on the thigh
- Swelling of thigh areas
- The injured leg may appear shorter than the uninjured leg
How is a femur fracture treated in older adults?
A femur fracture requires a prolonged recovery period lasting 4 to 6 months. Treatment may necessitate surgery, involving internal or external fixation of the bone with screws. In some cases, a plaster cast is used to immobilize the limb, while crutches or a walker may be employed to support the affected limb during movement.
Recovery usually does not require complete rest, although the degree of mobility and activity may vary depending on the type and severity of the fracture and the overall health of the elderly person.
Physical therapy is a critical component of recovery from a femur fracture, as it can help improve range of motion, prevent complications, and aid in the healing process.
Physical therapy also focuses on strengthening the upper body, arms, and shoulders, enabling older adults to bear body weight using crutches or walkers and maintain a certain level of independence in daily activities. Physical therapy can begin shortly after the injury, aiming to gradually increase activity and mobility as the bone heals.
Consequences of fracture and lifestyle changes
Femur fractures are common injuries among older adults and can significantly impact an individual’s quality of life, particularly for those living alone.
After a femur fracture, an older person’s independence is compromised – they will require daily care and assistance for the first two weeks, followed by visits for rehabilitation or physical therapy. Attempting to stand without supervision can lead to new falls and further injuries, while prolonged bed rest can cause muscle deterioration and numerous other complications.
In such cases, staying in a nursing home becomes the best solution, both for the person recovering from the fracture and for the family that doesn’t have to worry about the recovery process. At the Vila Košuta Lux nursing home, professional medical staff monitor patients continuously and closely track their recovery. A physiotherapist is present daily, helping older adults strengthen muscles and maintain maximum mobility.
Advantages of moving into a nursing home after a femur fracture include:
- Increased safety: Uneven floors, curled carpets, insufficient lighting, slippery bathtubs, and stairs – the potential for falls at home is endless. Nursing homes are purpose-built facilities where every detail is attended to, proactively preventing falls among older adults.
- Rehabilitation: After a femur fracture, older adults require rehabilitation to regain strength, mobility, and independence. At Vila Košuta Lux nursing home, older adults, assisted by physiotherapists, will strengthen and work more efficiently towards complete recovery.
- Care: After a femur fracture, older adults may temporarily lose independence in dressing, personal hygiene, and toileting. Professional and experienced caregivers will be with them at every moment, assisting them and easing the recovery process.
- Social life: The importance of social life is especially pronounced in older age, where isolation can lead to depression and various other associated conditions, potentially shortening lifespan. At Vila Košuta Lux nursing home, the person recovering from a femur fracture will have the company of people of similar age and interests, staying engaged and feeling like a valued community member.
An insufficiently safe home environment combined with aging challenges often causes falls resulting in femur fractures among older adults. When a fracture occurs, it is essential to take steps to ensure the injured person’s recovery preserves their mobility, and consequently their independence in the coming years. They can expect all of this in a pleasant environment with professional medical and supporting staff at the Vila Košuta Lux nursing home.