A broken bone is never ideal. But for adults 65 and older, a fracture isn’t just a break. It can be life-altering.
As we age, bones tend to heal more slowly and health conditions like osteoporosis or limited mobility can make recovery more complicated.
“Elderly patients are more likely to have health problems that increase the risk and potential complications of surgery. Additionally, one’s ability to recover from a significant injury changes as they age,” said Shasta Henderson, MD, an orthopedic surgeon with Banner Health.
That’s why many hospitals, including Banner Health, now follow more aggressive strategies for treating fractures in older adults. These treatments are designed to:
- Speed up recovery
- Reduce complications
- Help seniors stay independent
Why do fractures in seniors need extra attention?
Fractures in seniors aren’t the same as fractures in younger people. For older adults, a broken bone can lead to more serious problems than just pain. Here’s why:
- Slower healing: Older bones have less blood flow and aren’t as dense, so they take longer to rebuild.
- Functional setbacks: A fractured hip, wrist or spine can make it difficult to stay active or live independently.
- Increased risks: Bed rest after a fracture can lead to muscle loss, blood clots or even pneumonia.
Older patients are more likely to get fractures when the bone is under minimal stress, such as a fall from standing. “The bone itself is abnormal and softer than it used to be, so we have to take that into account,” Dr. Henderson said. When doctors are planning how to secure or stabilize the bone, they may need to factor in extra support.
The number of patients who get fractures next to a total knee or hip prosthesis continues to grow. These fractures are challenging because doctors need to stabilize the bone right next to the artificial joint and still get people moving as soon as possible.
What does aggressive fracture care look like?
A more aggressive approach to fracture care doesn’t mean treatment is more invasive or difficult. It just means more thoughtful and timely support is needed:
- Quick evaluation: A health care provider, usually an orthopedic specialist, will order imaging right away and help you make fast treatment decisions.
- Senior-focused surgery: If you need surgery, it’s planned with your overall health, medications and healing in mind.
- Early physical therapy (PT): You might start PT within 24 hours to help prevent weakness and bed-related complications.
- Bone density testing: If you weren’t tested for osteoporosis before your fracture, you may get a DEXA scan during your hospital stay and start treatment if you’re diagnosed.
- Medication review: Your providers will look at your prescriptions for any medicines that might increase fall risk or slow healing.
- Fall-prevention planning: Before you leave the hospital, you’ll get support to help make your home safer and reduce your risk of falling.
These steps help you get moving more quickly after a fracture. “This is particularly important for older people, as periods of immobility can result in pressure sores, pneumonia, blood clots and other conditions that may be hard to recover from,” Dr. Henderson said.
How is this care different?
Seniors don’t have the same needs as younger people. So senior-focused fracture care adds in steps that help older people recover:
- It treats more than just the break. Your care team looks at your whole health, including bone strength, mobility, medications and support at home.
- Physical therapy starts early. Getting you up and moving quickly is key to better healing and recovery.
- It’s a team effort. Orthopedic specialists, therapists, pharmacists and nurses work together to keep your recovery on track.
- It prepares you for the next steps. You’ll leave the hospital with a plan for healing, follow-up care and staying independent.
Why is follow-up care important?
Healing continues long after the cast or sling comes off. “Routine follow-up is important. Your doctor can guide you through the recovery process and help you sooner if a problem arises,” Dr. Henderson said.
Many seniors benefit from:
- Ongoing check-ins to monitor bone healing and mobility, since it takes longer to heal as you get older
- Taking medications like bisphosphonates that strengthen bones and reduce the risk of future fractures
- Nutrition guidance to make sure you’re getting enough calcium, vitamin D and protein
- Outpatient or in-home therapy to rebuild strength, balance, mobility and confidence
What should you ask your doctor?
Bring these questions to your next appointment or hospital visit:
- Should I be tested for osteoporosis?
- When can I start moving or doing therapy safely?
- How will this fracture affect my ability to live at home?
- What can I do to prevent another fall or fracture? Do I need a fall-risk evaluation or home safety check?
- What should I watch for during recovery?
- Who will help coordinate my follow-up care?
How Banner Health supports seniors after a fracture
At Banner Health, we take a team-based approach to geriatric fracture care. Our dedicated care teams for older adults work closely with you and your loved ones to create personalized recovery plans and home health options.
You can count on us to:
- Quickly evaluate and treat fractures
- Address your whole health, including bone density and fall risk
- Start early rehabilitation and home-safety planning
- Support you through follow-up care and recovery
- Coordinate with physical therapists and other specialists
- Support caregivers and help with long-term health planning
Don’t wait to get the help you need
The right care plan can make all the difference after a fracture. With early treatment and expert support, seniors can heal stronger and stay more independent. Reach out to a Banner Health expert today to learn more about how we help seniors recover from fractures.
