How long does it take to recover from collarbone fracture surgery. What should patients do to prepare for the procedure. What happens on the day of collarbone surgery. What are the key steps in the open reduction and internal fixation procedure.

Understanding Collarbone Fractures and Surgical Intervention

Collarbone fractures, also known as clavicle fractures, are common injuries that can significantly impact a person’s shoulder function and overall mobility. In some cases, these fractures require surgical intervention, particularly when they occur in specific locations or fail to heal properly through conservative methods.

Open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) is a surgical procedure often employed to treat certain types of collarbone fractures. This technique involves realigning the broken bone pieces and securing them in place using hardware such as wires, sutures, plates, or screws.

When is ORIF Necessary for Collarbone Fractures?

ORIF may be recommended in the following scenarios:

• Fractures in the outer (distal) third of the collarbone, near the acromioclavicular (AC) joint
• Fractures that have not healed properly during immobilization
• Severely displaced or comminuted fractures
• Open fractures or those at risk of breaking through the skin

Is ORIF always necessary for collarbone fractures? Not all collarbone fractures require surgical intervention. Many can heal successfully with conservative treatment, including immobilization and physical therapy. However, for more complex or problematic fractures, ORIF can provide better outcomes and faster recovery.

Preparing for Collarbone Fracture Surgery

Proper preparation is crucial for ensuring a successful surgery and smooth recovery. Patients scheduled for collarbone fracture ORIF should take several important steps in the weeks leading up to their procedure.

Medical Considerations Before Surgery

How can patients optimize their health before collarbone surgery? Consider the following recommendations:

• Obtain a second opinion from another qualified surgeon, especially for complex cases
• Report any physical problems, such as fever or infection, to your surgeon
• Disclose all medications you are currently taking
• Discontinue anti-inflammatory medications, particularly aspirin, a week before surgery (under doctor’s guidance)
• Attempt to quit or reduce smoking to minimize infection risk and improve healing

Practical Preparations for Post-Surgery Care

What items should patients secure before their surgery date? Essential equipment may include:

• Shoulder sling
• Ice packs or coolers
• Heating pads

Patients should obtain prescriptions for these items from their doctor when scheduling the surgery. Additionally, arranging for post-operative assistance from family or friends can greatly facilitate recovery.

The Day of Collarbone Fracture Surgery

Understanding what to expect on the day of surgery can help alleviate anxiety and ensure a smooth process. Patients typically follow a series of steps upon arrival at the medical facility.

Check-In and Pre-Operative Procedures

What happens when patients first arrive for their collarbone surgery? The process usually includes:

1. Checking in at the patient admissions area
2. Moving to a holding area for final preparations
3. Changing into a hospital gown
4. Removing personal items like watches, glasses, dentures, and jewelry
5. Meeting with the orthopedic surgeon or assistant
6. Consulting with the anesthesiologist or anesthetist

Do patients need to prepare their shoulder area before surgery? In some cases, the surgical site may be shaved, although this is not always necessary. The medical team will handle any required preparations.

The Open Reduction and Internal Fixation Procedure

The ORIF procedure for collarbone fractures involves several key steps to realign and stabilize the broken bone. Understanding these steps can help patients feel more informed and at ease about their upcoming surgery.

Key Steps in Collarbone ORIF Surgery

What are the main stages of the ORIF procedure for a collarbone fracture?

1. Administration of anesthesia
2. Incision over the fracture site
3. Careful dissection of soft tissues to expose the broken bone
4. Realignment of the bone fragments (reduction)
5. Fixation of the fragments using appropriate hardware (internal fixation)
6. Closure of the incision

How long does a typical collarbone ORIF surgery take? The duration can vary depending on the complexity of the fracture and any additional procedures required, but it generally lasts between 1 to 2 hours.

Recovery Time and Post-Operative Care

Recovery from collarbone fracture surgery is a gradual process that requires patience and dedication to rehabilitation. The timeline can vary depending on individual factors and the specific nature of the fracture.

Immediate Post-Operative Period

What can patients expect in the days following collarbone surgery?

• Pain management through prescribed medications
• Use of a sling to immobilize the shoulder
• Regular ice application to reduce swelling
• Limited movement of the affected arm
• Follow-up appointments with the surgeon

Long-Term Recovery Timeline

How long does it typically take to fully recover from collarbone fracture surgery? While individual experiences may vary, a general timeline might look like this:

• 1-2 weeks: Initial healing of the surgical incision
• 4-6 weeks: Gradual increase in arm movement as directed by the surgeon
• 6-8 weeks: Potential removal of the sling and initiation of more active physical therapy
• 3-4 months: Return to most normal activities, with some restrictions on heavy lifting or contact sports
• 6-12 months: Full recovery and return to all activities for most patients

Is physical therapy necessary after collarbone fracture surgery? Yes, physical therapy plays a crucial role in restoring full range of motion, strength, and function to the shoulder. The specific rehabilitation protocol will be tailored to each patient’s needs and progress.

Potential Risks and Complications

As with any surgical procedure, collarbone fracture ORIF carries certain risks. While complications are relatively rare, patients should be aware of potential issues that may arise during or after surgery.

Common Risks Associated with Collarbone ORIF

What are some potential complications of collarbone fracture surgery?

• Infection at the surgical site
• Bleeding or hematoma formation
• Nonunion or delayed union of the fracture
• Hardware-related issues (e.g., loosening or irritation)
• Nerve or blood vessel damage
• Shoulder stiffness or reduced range of motion
• Anesthesia-related complications

How can patients minimize their risk of complications? Following the surgeon’s post-operative instructions carefully, maintaining good hygiene, attending all follow-up appointments, and adhering to the prescribed rehabilitation program can significantly reduce the risk of complications.

Long-Term Outcomes and Prognosis

The long-term outlook for patients undergoing collarbone fracture ORIF is generally positive, with most individuals returning to their pre-injury level of function. However, the specific outcomes can vary based on several factors.

Factors Influencing Long-Term Results

What elements can affect the long-term prognosis after collarbone fracture surgery?

• The severity and location of the original fracture
• The patient’s age and overall health
• Compliance with post-operative care and rehabilitation
• The presence of any complications during recovery
• The patient’s activity level and demands on the shoulder joint

Do patients typically regain full strength and range of motion after collarbone surgery? Most patients can expect to regain full or near-full function of their shoulder following successful ORIF and appropriate rehabilitation. However, some individuals may experience minor residual limitations, particularly in high-demand activities.

Long-Term Considerations

Are there any ongoing considerations for patients who have undergone collarbone ORIF?

• Some patients may require hardware removal in the future if it causes irritation
• Regular follow-up with an orthopedic surgeon may be recommended, especially in the first year post-surgery
• Patients should be aware of any activity restrictions advised by their surgeon
• Maintaining overall shoulder strength and flexibility through exercise can help prevent future injuries

Advancements in Collarbone Fracture Treatment

The field of orthopedic surgery continues to evolve, bringing new techniques and technologies to improve the treatment of collarbone fractures. These advancements aim to enhance surgical outcomes, reduce recovery time, and minimize complications.

Innovative Surgical Techniques

What are some recent innovations in collarbone fracture surgery?

• Minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO) techniques
• Use of biodegradable implants
• 3D-printed patient-specific implants
• Improved plating systems designed specifically for clavicular anatomy
• Enhanced imaging techniques for more precise surgical planning

How do these advancements benefit patients? These innovations can potentially lead to smaller incisions, reduced soft tissue damage, faster healing, and improved functional outcomes. However, their application depends on the specific fracture pattern and surgeon expertise.

Future Directions in Collarbone Fracture Management

What future developments might we see in the treatment of collarbone fractures?

• Biological augmentation techniques to enhance bone healing
• Advanced materials for implants with improved biocompatibility
• Robotics-assisted surgery for increased precision
• Virtual reality and augmented reality tools for surgical planning and training
• Personalized treatment algorithms based on patient-specific factors and fracture characteristics

As research continues and technology advances, the management of collarbone fractures is likely to become increasingly sophisticated, offering patients better outcomes and potentially shorter recovery times.

In conclusion, collarbone fracture surgery, specifically open reduction and internal fixation, is a well-established procedure for treating certain types of clavicle fractures. While recovery times can vary, most patients can expect a return to normal activities within several months, with full recovery often achieved within a year. Proper preparation, adherence to post-operative care instructions, and commitment to rehabilitation are key factors in ensuring the best possible outcome. As medical advancements continue, patients can look forward to even more effective and less invasive treatment options in the future.

Patient information about orthopedic disorders.

Shoulder
> Collarbone
Fracture > Treatments

   
Open Reduction and Internal Fixation

You may be a
candidate for open reduction and internal fixation to
repair your fractured collarbone if the fracture occurred
in the outer (distal) third of the bone, closer to your
acromioclavicular (AC) joint. You may also need this
surgery if your fracture did not heal properly during
immobilization. In this procedure, the fracture is fixed
in place by wires and sutures or plates and screws.

The decisions you make and the actions
you take before surgery can be every bit as important
as the procedure itself in ensuring a healthy recovery.
Getting a second opinion from another qualified surgeon
is often advisable, particularly in rare or unique cases.

   Make
sure you have received any equipment you will need when
you get home from the hospital. This may include a shoulder
sling, ice packs or coolers, or heating pads. You should
receive prescriptions for any of these from your doctor
when your surgery is scheduled.

   Learn
the potential risks and benefits of the surgery by asking
your surgeon any questions that will help you better
understand the procedure. It can also help to talk to
others who have undergone the same surgery.

   Any
physical problems, such as a fever or infection, should
be reported to your surgeon, and you should notify your
surgeon of any medication you are taking.

   If
possible, discontinue the use of any anti–inflammatory
medicine, especially aspirin, a week prior to surgery,
to prevent excessive bleeding during the procedure.

   To
reduce the risk of infection, improve healing, and decrease
complications, try to quit smoking or decrease the amount
you smoke. In general, smokers have a higher infection
and overall complication rate.

   To
check if the orthopedist performing the surgery is board-certified
or eligible, call the American Board of Orthopaedic
Surgery at 919-929-7103.

At most medical centers, you will
go to “patient admissions” to check in for
your open reduction and internal fixation of your collarbone
fracture. There may be separate check-in areas for ambulatory
outpatient (patients who go home the same day after
surgery) and for overnight inpatient surgery, so be
sure to ask your physician or an assistant about this.
After you have checked in to the hospital or clinic,
you will go to a holding area where the final preparations
are made. The paperwork is completed and your shoulder
may be shaved, though this is not always necessary.
You will wear a hospital gown and, if applicable, remove
your watch, glasses, dentures, and jewelry. You will
have the opportunity to speak with your orthopedic surgeon
or an assistant, and meet the anesthesiologist or anesthetist
(a nurse who has done graduate training to provide anesthesia
under the supervision of an anesthesiologist). Then,
you will walk or ride on a stretcher to the operating
room. Most patients are not sedated until they go into
the operating room. Here are some important steps to
remember for the day of your surgery:

   You
will probably be told not to eat or drink anything after
midnight on the night before your surgery. This will
reduce the risk of vomiting while you are under anesthesia.

   Because
you may be unable to drive, arrange for someone to help
take you out of the hospital and drive you home when
you are released.

   Wear
a soft, comfortable shirt that will not irritate your
skin when worn under a shoulder sling.

   Take
it easy. Keeping a good frame of mind can help ease
any nerves or anxiety about undergoing surgery. Distractions
such as reading, watching television, chatting with
visitors, or talking on the telephone can also help.

Open reduction and internal fixation
of your fractured collarbone can take between one and
two hours to perform.

   After
arriving in the operating room, the anesthesiologist
will begin intravenous sedation and often a regional
anesthetic will be given. The patient may then be given
a general anesthetic, depending on what pre-surgery
decisions have been made.

   An
incision is made to access the fractured part of the
collarbone.

   The
surgeon will use plates and either screws or sutures
to fixate the broken bone, depending on the pattern
of the fracture.

   The
incision is then closed and the patient is taken to
the recovery room.

When you awaken in the recovery room
following open reduction and internal fixation of your
collarbone fracture, your shoulder usually is wrapped
in gauze, immobilized in a sling, and covered with an
ice pack. You may feel a moderate amount of pain. You
usually stay in the recovery room for at least two hours
while the anesthetic wears off. General anesthesia wears
off in about an hour and regional anesthesia may take
about two hours to wear off. You should try to move
your fingers while you are in the recovery room to improve
circulation. Moving your wrist may be painful, and you
usually should not try to move your elbow. Your temperature,
blood pressure, and heartbeat will be monitored by a
nurse, who, with the assistance of the doctor, will
determine when you are ready to leave the hospital or,
if necessary, be admitted for an overnight stay.

After open reduction and internal
fixation of a collarbone fracture, some patients remain
in the hospital for as long as 24 hours. There will
likely be pain, and you can expect to be given pain
medication as needed. Be sure to ask for medication
as soon as you feel pain coming on, because pain medication
works best on pain that is building rather than on pain
that is already present. The nurses will not give you
more than your doctor has prescribed and what is considered
to be safe. Ice also helps control pain and swelling.
Physicians generally suggest that you immobilize your
shoulder in a sling for about six to eight weeks. You
will be taught how remove the sling and bend your elbow
if necessary. In addition, you will be given an appointment
to return and a prescription for pain medicine. You
will not be able to drive, so be sure to have arranged
for a ride home.

After
open reduction and internal fixation of a collarbone
fracture, you will need to take steps to reduce the
pain and inflammation in your shoulder. Rest, icing,
and anti-inflammatory painkillers such as ibuprofen
or aspirin can ease pain and swelling, and immobilizing
the shoulder will keep it stabilized. Here is what you
can expect and how you can cope with a sling immobilizing
your shoulder:

   The
first concern is to monitor swelling for the first 48
hours while wearing your sling. Physicians generally
prescribe ice packs to be applied for 20 minutes at
a time, three or four times a day.

   There
may be some minor drainage on the bandage since fluid
may have accumulated during the surgery. Expect some
blood to show through the bandage during the first 24
to 48 hours.

   Physicians
generally recommend that you wear the sling day and
night for between two and eight weeks.

   You
can usually remove the gauze bandage and bathe regularly
after two to seven days. Call your physician if bleeding
continues. You can remove the sling for brief periods
to shower, but remember to avoid moving the injured
arm.

   Stitches
are usually removed about two weeks after surgery.

   When
your shoulder starts to heal, your physician may recommend
that you remove the sling for short periods to perform
some light, early-motion exercises.

   You
should move your fingers and hands in the sling as much
as possible to help circulate blood.

   If
you develop a rash or irritated skin around your sling,
call your physician.

   If
you notice any abnormal wear or discomfort in the sling,
contact your physician as early as possible. In general,
do not try to “grin and bear it” if discomfort
does not go away within a few days. The sling should
not irritate your skin.

Rehabilitation can usually begin within a few weeks
after surgery, but you should visit your physician a
week after the injury for a check-up. Until cleared
by your physician, you should keep the shoulder immobilized
in the sling. The sling may make it difficult to use
the hand of the injured shoulder, and you may need to
take several weeks off from work, depending on how much
you rely on the immobilized hand.

After about two or three weeks of
immobilization, your physician usually refers you to
a physical therapist to begin rehabilitation exercises.
The first stage of physical therapy usually involves
passive motion exercises with the assistance of your
physical therapist. Most patients begin with forward
motion in the shoulder. Because your arm has been held
across your chest for weeks, rotating or turning the
shoulder outward is usually painful when rehab begins.
With the shoulder held in place, you usually begin strengthening
your wrist and elbow by flexing and extending your hand
and arm. After two to four weeks, you may be able to
start moving your hand, arm, and shoulder without the
assistance of the therapist. Usually within eight weeks,
your therapist can start adding resistance to your exercises
with weights or elastic bands. Non-contact sports, like
tennis and swimming, can often be resumed within four
months. Contact sports should usually not be resumed
until at least six months. Depending on your specific
situation, your physician may prescribe a modification
to the above regimen.

Though injuries caused by direct trauma
frequently are difficult to avoid, you can help reduce
your risk of repeat collarbone injuries by making shoulder
strengthening exercises part of your everyday routine.
Rotator cuff strengthening helps reduce the risk of
overuse problems during athletic or work activities
that require repetitive overhead motions. For players
in contact sports like football, hockey, or lacrosse,
wearing well-fitted shoulder pads that provide more
cushioning can help prevent direct-blow collarbone injuries.
Indirect injuries, such as accidentally falling on your
hand, are more difficult to prevent. After a collarbone
injury, you should be careful to notice any pain or
discomfort in your shoulder during athletics. Avoid
playing through shoulder pain.

Broken Collarbone Sydney | Clavicle Fracture Randwick

Clavicle fracture or broken collarbone is a the most commonly fractured bone in the human body. It is associated with high energy sports such as rugby, martial arts, cycling and motorbike riding.

A direct blow over the shoulde or fall on an outstretched arm may also cause the clavicle bone to break.

A broken clavicle causes difficulty in lifting your arm and sleeping.

How is a clavicle fracture diagnosed?

Clavicle fractures are diagnosed by taking a history, performing a physical examination and ordering imaging studies (X-ray ).

Treatment options for a clavicle fracture include:

• Non-operative
• Operative

Non-operative treatment involves:

• placing the arm in a sling to immobilize the bones and allow healing.
• Medications for pain relief, and
• physical therapy may prevent stiffness and weakness of the shoulder.

A broken clavicle bone usually heals without surgery, but if the bone ends have shifted out of place (displaced) surgery is an option.

Surgical treatment is performed to align the bone ends and hold them stable during healing.

It may be considered for

• multiple fractures,
• compound (open) fractures,
• Overlapping of the broken ends of bone (shortened clavicle)
• fractures associated with nerve or blood vessel damage and
• displaced fractures.

Clavicle Fracture Surgery

During this surgical procedure, the broken bone-ends are aligned into their normal position and screws in metal plates are used to hold the bone fragments in place.

These plates and screws are usually left in the bone. If they cause any irritation, they can be removed after fracture healing is complete.

Post Operative Care Plan

Following surgery, a sling will be worn for comfort only. Movement at waist level is encouraged early and above shoulder activity can begin once the wound has healed. Painkillers may be required for 3-5 days after surgery. Sutures are removed 10-14 days after surgery. Lifting is limited to 1kg until X-rays are reviewed at 8 weeks post after surgery.

Complications with Clavicle Fracture Surgery

Patients with diabetes and people who make use of tobacco products are at a greater risk of developing complications with both non-operative and operative clavicle treatment.

In addition to the risks that occur with any major surgery, certain specific risks of clavicle fracture surgery include

• difficulty with bone healing,
• superficial skin nerve injury below the surgical wound
• lung injury and
• irritation caused by hardware.

What are the consequences of fractures | Traumatology and Orthopedics Center GUTA CLINIC

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Traumatology

Consequences of fractures

Traumatologists often say: “No two fractures are the same. ” What is the reason for this: the nature of the injury, as a rule, is determined by the individual characteristics of the person (age, gender, motor activity, chronic diseases, etc.), and therefore the clinical case becomes unique with its own specifics of diagnosis and treatment. The consequences of fractures directly depend on the type of injury and are just as diverse.

General manifestations

Fractures are accompanied by musculoskeletal pain, which can persist for some time and affect your sleep and emotional state. Your doctor will help you cope with it: prescribe painkillers and prescribe exercise therapy and massage.

Fractures of the spine and/or lower extremities restrict movement. Therefore, walking, tilting, lifting weights becomes difficult or temporarily inaccessible. In such a situation, canes, walkers, devices to facilitate gripping will help you.

Do not forget to perform sets of exercises from the exercise therapy doctor. When you move little, you are more likely to get diseases of the cardiovascular system, type 2 diabetes.

Effects on soft tissues and bones

The process of blood formation occurs in the bones, in the bone marrow. When they are damaged, blood loss and malnutrition occurs. A fat embolism can occur – when particles of adipose tissue enter the circulatory system during a fracture of long tubular bones. This leads to disruption of metabolic processes. If no action is taken, pneumonia or heart failure may ensue.

Normally, the skeleton provides protection for internal organs, but as a result of a fracture, bone fragments can damage these tissues.

The effect of injury on the skin depends on the type of fracture. With a closed fracture, there are often no traces left on the skin, with open fractures, a scar is possible. With open fractures, the integrity of the skin is violated and the wound begins to come into contact with the external environment. Such a wound becomes vulnerable to fungi and bacteria. Antibacterial therapy usually helps with this.

Muscles can be damaged by bone fragments in an open or closed fracture.

Prolonged immobility due to gypsum leads to malnutrition. Literally, “hypotrophy” means “lack of nutrition” – it usually comes with the blood during normal mobility. When the trophism decreases, the muscles become flabby, pain and difficulty in movement are possible. To improve blood circulation in the limbs and relieve pain, exercise therapy, massage and physiotherapy are prescribed.

With a fracture from ruptures and as a result of impaired mobility, ligaments may suffer; then in the process of accretion, excess connective tissue is formed on them. This leads to pain and limited mobility. This pathology is called contracture. To avoid it, follow the recommendations of your doctor during the recovery period.

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Fractures in the elderly: risks and dangers

As people age, bones become more brittle and prone to fracture. This is especially true for people over 65 years of age, because their bones, due to age-related changes, are not able to withstand the same load as in younger people. According to statistics, fractures are one of the most common injuries among the elderly and can significantly affect the quality of life.

Why is the risk of fractures higher in older people?

Fractures can be caused by a fall, but they can also be caused by careless or abrupt movements. The fragile bones of an elderly person often cannot withstand the usual load and fractures occur when falling from a height of their height, minor bruises, and even when lifting weights. Osteoporosis is a major risk factor for fractures in the elderly as it causes bones to become brittle due to reduced bone density. In addition, the regenerative function of tissues decreases – their ability to naturally regenerate. Other risk factors include certain medications (such as steroids), certain medical conditions (such as diabetes), or physical inactivity.

Reduced visual acuity and hearing, dizziness, weakness, convulsions, sudden pressure surges – all this leads to the fact that older people easily lose balance and fall even out of the blue. At the same time, the nature of the fall changes with age: if the young fall forward or backward, then the elderly fall on their side, relying on their arms and palms. In this regard, the cases of fractures of the femoral neck, shoulder, vertebrae, and wrist are becoming more frequent in the latter.

It is important for older people to take steps to prevent falls. In particular, make sure that their home is free of dangerous items such as loose carpets or cords that can cause trips and falls; wear comfortable shoes, with a decrease in vision and hearing, wear glasses and a hearing aid; eat a healthy diet rich in calcium and vitamin D; exercise regularly; Avoid smoking and drinking too much alcohol, which can further weaken bones.

If an older person does suffer a fracture, it is important to seek immediate medical attention in order to receive proper treatment and start rehabilitation in a timely manner. Physical therapy may be recommended if mobility has been affected by an injury, and occupational therapy may be recommended if daily tasks have become more difficult due to the pain or discomfort associated with the fracture.

What are the consequences of fractures in old age?

Severe injuries are treated only by surgery. Conservative treatment is used in exceptional cases in the presence of serious contraindications to surgery, for example, chronic heart disease. The impossibility of surgical treatment can lead to lifelong disability.

But even after surgery, there is still a risk of incomplete bone regeneration, again associated with osteoporosis. This insidious disease, even with a “harmless” fracture, limits a person’s motor activity, which, in turn, leads to stagnation in the intestines, circulatory disorders, loss of vision, kidney disease, and hypertension. Prolonged lack of physical activity entails the formation of blood clots and embolism. The situation is aggravated by the appearance of bedsores.

Forced immobility, a long period of treatment unsettles even a young, healthy person. What can we say about the elderly – for them, such a situation can cause a psycho-emotional breakdown, cause pressure surges, and lead to an exacerbation of chronic diseases.

The nature of treatment and recovery time after fractures in the elderly depends on the location of the injury and its severity.

Fracture of the femoral neck

Fracture of the femoral neck in old age is one of the most severe and painful injuries that requires long-term treatment. It is more common in women because their bone tissue is more prone to osteoporosis. Vivid symptoms of such a fracture are acute pain that occurs when trying to lean on a broken bone, and the inability to move the leg. In this case, there may not be a hematoma, since hemorrhage is minimal. A hip fracture in the elderly is treated promptly, as this is the fastest and most effective way to recover, preventing possible complications. Conservative treatment – skeletal traction or plaster cast – has a high mortality rate and is extremely difficult to tolerate in elderly patients.

Surgical intervention involves arthroplasty – replacement of a damaged bone with an implant. Osteosynthesis – fixation of broken bone fragments in the correct position – is usually used in younger patients.

After surgery, an elderly person needs full-fledged home care. Recovery times are different for everyone. With proper care, they return to their usual way of life within a year. In some cases, definitive rehabilitation is not possible.

Fracture of the arm

Fracture of the radius of the arm occurs most frequently at any age. This is due to the fact that when a person falls, he instinctively leans on his palm. Severe pain is usually absent, the hand does not swell, and pain occurs when trying to move the hand and fingers.

Such an injury is the least dangerous for an aging organism. A plaster splint is applied to the arm for a period of 6 to 8 weeks. Already on the third day after applying the bandage, it is recommended to slowly move the fingers, and after removing the plaster, to develop the wrist.

To alleviate pain, which may persist for several months after the removal of the cast, give warm baths or alcohol compresses for the hands, take painkillers at night.

Fractures of the shoulder

Features of a fracture of the humerus in the elderly – swelling, pain and crunching when moving the arm. First of all, it is necessary to take painkillers and sedatives, then apply a splint or splint with a roller in the armpit to fix the shoulder, and take the victim to the hospital.

Depending on the complexity of the fracture, the doctor prescribes either a cast or complete immobilization of the shoulder with fixation to the body.

When the pain disappears, the patient is prescribed exercise therapy and physiotherapy. After 1-1.5 months, the plaster is replaced with a supporting bandage.

trochanteric fractures of the femur

These are fractures of the part of the thigh closest to the pelvis. At the slightest movement, the legs are accompanied by sharp pain, after some time swelling and bruising appear. The hip bones grow together very slowly, so the optimal solution in this situation is the operation of osteosynthesis.

Conservative treatment, as in cases of trauma to the femoral neck, is used only if there are serious contraindications and can lead to serious complications. For example, the formation of blood clots and blood clots in the blood vessels, which is fraught with the threat of death of the patient. Therefore, massage and rubbing are mandatory, with the exception of the damaged area of ​​​​the body.

The recovery period after surgery takes 6 months or more. At this time, an elderly person needs full care and assistance in the simplest daily procedures.

Fractures of the knee and ankle

Fracture of the knee or ankle in the elderly is quite common as a result of twisting of the feet or falling on bent legs.

A knee injury may be complicated by bleeding into the cavity of the knee joint. The choice of treatment method depends on the severity of the fracture: the doctor either applies a cast, knitting needles, or prescribes an operation with the installation of screws and plates. Rehabilitation lasts at least 6 months and is accompanied by massage and physiotherapy.

In case of an ankle fracture, a plaster splint with a metal rod is applied, thanks to which the patient can lean on the injured leg without a crutch. In most cases, a person recovers after 2 months.

Compression fracture of the spine

Fracture of the spine is especially dangerous in the elderly, since it is treated only by surgery. It is not always possible to carry out such an operation, due to health problems.

In a compression fracture, compression and deformation of the vertebrae occur, cracks are very likely to appear. All this can lead to displacement of the spine and damage to the bone marrow. The injury makes itself felt with a sudden sharp pain that occurs with sudden movements, tilts, turns of the body. Over time, the pain intensifies and is accompanied by numbness of the limbs. If left untreated, sciatica, intervertebral hernias, muscle dystrophy, etc. develop.

The main task in case of spinal fracture in the elderly is its maximum recovery and the return of the patient to his usual way of life. Treatment of spinal injuries at this age is very painful, therefore novocaine blockades and analgesics are mandatory prescribed.

Prevention of fractures

To prevent fractures in the elderly, a number of recommendations should be followed. First, start preventing osteoporosis as early as possible: move more, do yoga, exercise, spend time outdoors more often.

Secondly, to provide a complete diet rich in calcium, protein and vitamin D. To do this, you need to include lean meat, eggs, dairy products, sea fish, cabbage, nuts, oatmeal, liver, etc. in the diet. mineral complexes that strengthen bone tissue, the best result will be achieved.

During the rehabilitation period, the fastest fusion of bones is promoted by eating jelly, jelly, fruit jelly.

To minimize the risk of falls and fractures in the elderly, you should create all the conditions for comfortable and safe living in the house. For walks, it is better to take a cane with you, and purchase shoes with non-slip soles.

The relatives who can take care of them and come to the rescue in time play a huge role in the life of the elderly. If possible, you should take joint walks as often as possible, provide all possible assistance in household chores – cleaning, shopping, cooking. This will not only brighten up everyday life for an elderly person, but also protect an already weakened body from domestic injuries and overloads.

Rehabilitation

On average, rehabilitation after a fracture in the elderly lasts from 8 months to a year. During this period, they need careful care and attention, only under this condition will the recovery proceed successfully. Relatives need to monitor the implementation of all doctor’s prescriptions, organize physiotherapy exercises and massage, take on the duties of cooking and other household chores.

Today, not everyone has such an opportunity, in this case it is worth thinking about the services of a nurse or a private boarding house, which will provide high-quality round-the-clock care and rehabilitation after fractures in the elderly.

The network of boarding houses “Doverie” has all the conditions for a comfortable stay and successful recovery of your loved ones:

• clean, comfortable, spacious rooms;
• regular examination by a doctor and medical staff, control over the timely intake of medications;
• special equipment for patients with disabilities: wheelchairs, anti-decubitus mattresses, walkers;
• full 6 meals a day, dietary and individual menu;
• daily skin hygiene;
• rehabilitation activities – physiotherapy exercises, massage, development of fine motor skills and much more.

Highly qualified doctors work in the boarding houses, who make an individual treatment and rehabilitation program for each guest.