This is why the elderly often report that they did not understand how they fell. As it is typically said, at these ages “they do not fall and break, but they break and fall”.
The diagnosis is made with a simple pelvic x-ray. Depending on the location, there are two types of fractures: triceps and subcranial fractures. Subcranial fractures are essential fractures of the femoral neck, where the fracture line usually begins at the upper neck-head and extends obliquely downward and inwards, while the groin fractures are fractures that extend from the major to the minor femoral trochanter. .
“A common feature after a hip fracture is that gait becomes impossible and the foot assumes the characteristic out-of-turn position, while at the same time being shorter than the healthy foot. In some less common cases this may not be the case and then we are talking about stuck fractures. In these cases a high degree of suspicion and recognition on the x-ray by the doctor is needed.
Because, the timely diagnosis by the specialized Orthopedist is crucial for the correct further treatment “, says Mr. Konstantinos Reppas, Orthopedic – Surgeon, Scientific Associate Metropolitan General.
All hip fractures need surgery for the following reasons:
1. Permanently keep the patient in bed with all the consequences that this may have
2. These are fractures that cause internal bleeding and therefore hemodynamic collapse if not treated in time
3. Embolism can occur easily due to the instability of the fracture and the fatty pistons released from the fracture site.
Therefore surgery is one way.
Prompt treatment combined with minimal invasiveness can offer a significant life extension to the elderly with a hip fracture. The offer of dorsal anesthesia, of course, greatly facilitates the operation even in patients with serious pathological problems, since the patient does not receive total anesthesia, but only from the waist down.
Minimal invasiveness means small incisions and as little abuse of muscle groups as possible. The incisions reach up to 10 cm, which in the groin fractures can be 4 or 5 cm. This means minimal tissue damage and minimal postoperative stress and bleeding.
“In the groin fractures, this is achieved with the help of an X-ray machine, which through special guides-tools allows us to place the implants that will support the bone through very small incisions. “Intramedullary nailing, as the method is now called, is very effective and often allows a full charge from the very next day, although the fracture takes months to heal, as the patient relies entirely on the implanted material,” he points out. the doctor.
In subcerebral fractures, the femoral head is removed and an artificial head is placed, which rests on an endotracheal implant. Minimal invasiveness is very important as the operation is larger and more complicated than in the groin fractures. Here, too, the patient can fully charge his foot from the next day since the use of biological cement ensures the stability of the implant.
Minimal invasiveness here is ensured by anterior access, which allows access to the hip joint without cutting muscles, but through the muscles. This is very important as it ensures faster mobilization of the elderly after surgery.
“Minimal invasive surgery with small incisions, immediate surgery and a quick return home are the golden recipe for treating fractures in the elderly.
The orthopedic’s experience in selecting the appropriate materials and applying the minimally invasive methods in combination with the support of a properly organized hospital with all the specialties and the appropriate equipment, ensure the healthy return of the elderly to their home and as long as possible of his life “, concludes Mr. Reppas.
Writes:
K. Konstantinos Reppas, Orthopedist – Surgeon, Scientific Associate Metropolitan General
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