.Facts About Hip Fractures
Women:
80% of hip fractures occur in women
Women lose up to 20% of their bone mass following menopause
Woman’s risk of hip fracture is equal to her combined risk of breast, uterine & ovarian cancer
Male:
1/5 to 1/3 of all hip fractures occur in men.
17% of men who reach age 90 suffer a hip fracture.
Men lose bone as they age and experience declining testosterone levels.
Age-related changes in the basic metabolic activity in bone contribute to bone loss.
Your Health status is an Important Factor Too!
Patients who are in poor health before fracturing a hip are likely to suffer complications along the way.
People with multiple, chronic conditions that cause severe restrictions.
People who are frail and many have balance/gait problems are at risk for falling.
A wrist or vertebral (compression) fracture is often a harbinger of a hip fracture. It is at least a warning that if you haven¹t had your bones tested, you must do so immediately.
What are the Most Common Causes of Hip Fractures?
~ Fragile bones
A woman¹s bone density declines by about 30% between the ages of 50 and 80. During the first 5 years after menopause, the decline is accelerated at some 2% annually. Low bone mass contributes to skeletal fragility and skeletal fragility is the principal cause of age-related osteoporotic fractures.
~ Falls
Bone density is not the only factor in hip fracture risk. Over 90% of hip fractures occur upon falling. Although many elderly people suffer spontaneous hip fractures because of advanced osteoporosis, the immediate cause is a fall.
9 out of 10 elderly people say they had little or no warning beforehand. All it may take is a fall from a bed, a chair, or a standing position.
Three Factors for Successful Recovery and Regaining Independence
1. State of health prior to hip fracture. The healthiest patients—those with the best pre-fracture mobility—are likely to survive and do well.
2. The ability to walk within 2 weeks of surgery.
3. Living with another person who will provide critical supports - social, physical, emotional.
Patients who met any 2 of these conditions have an 80% chance of returning home
PREVENTION IS KEY!!!
Prolonging life expectancy is an important public health goal, but more important is that the years again are of the highest quality so that older people can continue to live independently.
PREVENTION IS POSSIBLE!!
PARTICPATE in cardiovascular activities
PRACTICE strength, flexibility and balance training
PREPARE healthy meals - Healthy diet leads to healthy bones. Diet plays a key role