Slippery winter fall watch...Fatal complications such as secondary complications in hip fractures
Jan 05, 2025
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At one time, there was enough snow in each region to take effect, causing a series of damage.
In the midst of this, falls have also increased rapidly, requiring caution. This is because heavy snow and cold waves create icy roads, and even a thin layer of ice called 'black ice' makes it dangerous to walk on the road itself. Hip fractures, which are especially fatal to the elderly, are a disease that requires more attention at this time. Hip fractures do not end with a simple fall, but prevention is of paramount importance as it is a scary disease that can seriously deteriorate the quality of life once it occurs.
The hip joint is the joint where the thigh bone and pelvis meet, supporting the weight and playing an important role in walking or moving. These joints must withstand a load of 1.5 to 3 times their weight, sometimes more than 10 times their weight. The hip joints of young and healthy people do not fracture easily, but even minor falls can lead to major accidents in older people or osteoporosis patients.
Jeon Sang-hyun, a professor of orthopedic surgery at the Catholic University of Korea's Incheon St. Mary's Hospital, said, `Especially in winter, not only icy roads but also cold weather causes muscles to stiffen and lose their sense of balance, which increases the risk of falls.' `We should be careful because falls may occur indoors, such as in bathrooms with water, falls on beds, and mistakes on stairs.'
When hip fractures occur, pain is so severe that it is difficult to walk. There are characteristic symptoms of shorter fractured legs or return to the outside, and they often lie in bed for a long time. As a result, secondary complications such as pneumonia, pressure ulcers, and thrombosis are accompanied, and health conditions are likely to deteriorate rapidly.
Most hip fractures can be diagnosed by X-ray imaging and CT (Computed Tomography). If the fracture pattern is complex, MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) is additionally used. Treatment methods vary depending on the type of fracture and the patient's condition, but most require surgical treatment. Endoscopic rectification to fix the fracture site is common, but if the damage is severe, artificial joint replacement is performed to restore joint function.
Professor Sang-Hyun Jeon emphasized the importance of quick treatment, saying, `It is most ideal to perform surgery within 24 to 48 hours of fracture occurrence.'
However, surgery does not mean that everyone has a good prognosis. Only about 30% to 50% of patients with hip fractures recover to previous activity levels, and the risk of re-fracture is more than three times higher. In particular, female patients account for 70%, because bone density rapidly decreases after menopause.
Prevention of hip fractures is more important than anything else. The elderly and osteoporosis patients should be careful not to fall in indoor environments as well as falls on icy roads. First, eat a balanced diet for bone health. Eat calcium-rich milk, anchovies, tofu, and seaweed, and supplement vitamin D with sunlight, food, and drugs if necessary. Conversely, it is recommended to reduce coffee, alcohol, and tobacco that interfere with calcium absorption.
It is also recommended to do regular muscle strengthening exercises. Exercise that can strengthen muscles without excessive load, such as walking, underwater exercise, and cycling, is effective. Steady exercise is essential for maintaining muscle strength and lowering the risk of falling. It is also important to create a safe environment. Reduce the possibility of falls by removing moisture from the floor in the house, using non-slip mats in the bathroom, and adjusting the height of the bed. When you go out in winter, you should wear non-slip shoes and walk slowly to avoid icy roads.
Professor Jeon Sang-hyun said, "Fall falls and hip fractures in winter do not end in an accident in a moment. In particular, prevention and management are of paramount importance as they can lead to long-term health problems for the elderly. "Regular exercise and balanced diet are the key to preventing hip fractures. It is necessary to prepare in advance and develop a habit of consistent management to protect your health in winter, he advised.
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This article was translated by Naver AI translator.
