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Sinusitis

What is Sinusitis ?

Sinusitis – Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment

Sinusitis is an inflammation of the sinuses affecting the nose and occasionally the face, throat, and ears. Sinuses are hollow spaces in the skull behind the forehead, eyes, cheeks, and nasal passages. These sinuses get blocked and filled with fluid due to cold or allergies, resulting in inflammation. Sinuses are cavities in the skull, while sinusitis is a condition of inflamed sinuses.

How important are sinuses?

Sinuses play a key role in protecting the body against illness and taking care of our wellness. Sinuses, the hollow spaces filled with air, lighten the head’s overall weight. They also warm and humidify the air we inhale. Sinuses help enhance one’s voice quality and speech resonance. In an accident, the sinuses absorb the impact and protect the other facial structures. Sinuses also help drain nasal mucus that protects the nasal passage and keeps unwanted particles like dust and pollutants from entering the body. Healthy sinuses are empty except with a thin layer of mucus which continuously drains the germs, dust, and dirt out, keeping the nose clean and free from bacteria, as already mentioned above.

The four pairs of sinuses are-

Maxillary sinuses: Maxillary are the largest sinuses. They are positioned behind the cheekbones near the upper jaws.

Frontal sinuses: The frontal sinuses are divided into left and right frontal sinuses. The two sinuses are located at the centre of the forehead above each eye.

Sphenoid sinuses: Sphenoid sinuses are situated behind the eyes, near your optic nerve and pituitary gland.

Ethmoid sinuses: The Ethmoid sinuses are a collection of six to twelve small air pockets between the eyes and nasal bridge. 

One develops sinusitis when the tissue lining the sinuses get inflamed or swollen. Sinusitis can also be caused by viral, fungal, and bacterial infections. 

Symptoms of sinusitis

Sinusitis and common cold have similar symptoms, some of which may include the following-

Partial or total loss of smell called Anosmia

Fever, also known as Hyperthermia or pyrexia

Nasal congestion, which causes a stuffy or runny nose

Headache due to sinus

Cough or sore throat

Fatigue

As mentioned above, many sinusitis symptoms are similar to the common cold. But the main difference is that the symptoms of sinusitis tend to be more severe, last longer, and often include pain in the face and forehead. Sinusitis symptoms range from nasal congestion and facial pain to severe headaches and tooth pain.

Types of sinusitis

Depending on the severity and duration of the symptoms, sinusitis is grouped as –

Acute – Acute sinusitis, also known as Rhinosinusitis, where rhino means ‘the nose’ is the most common one with the shortest duration. The symptoms could remain for four weeks or less. Viral infections due to cold and seasonal allergies can cause symptoms that last up to ten days.

Subacute – In the case of Subacute sinusitis, the symptoms may last up to 12 weeks. Seasonal allergies or bacterial infections cause this type of sinusitis.

Recurrent acute – As the name suggests, there would be a reoccurrence of acute sinusitis at least four times in a year.

Chronic- Chronic sinusitis is when the symptoms last for at least 12 weeks.

Possible Contributors of Sinusitis

Anyone can develop sinusitis. Excessive mucus may get formed due to cold, bacteria, or allegories that gradually allow the bacteria and germs to grow in the sinuses, leading to infection. However, apart from cold, allergies, and viral or bacterial infection, other possible factors that may contribute to the development of sinus infection are-

  • Weakened immune system
  • Dental infection
  • Smoking and Tobacco
  • Structural issues with the nose like, nasal bone growth, uneven wall of tissue between the two nostrils (nasal septum)
  • Nasal polyps
  • Cystic fibrosis, a condition where thick and sticky mucus gets buildup in the lungs, intestine, and liver, which causes damage to the respiratory and digestive systems.
  • Exposure to mold, pollen, dirt, etc.

Treatment of Sinusitis

Sinusitis is curable and treatable in most cases without consulting a doctor and antibiotics. But if the symptoms of sinusitis persist for a long, it is advisable to see your doctor and follow his advice and medications. The doctor would diagnose sinus infection based on the symptoms and the physical exam. In case of chronic sinusitis, the doctor may recommend imaging tests like X-ray, CT scan or MRI. Blood tests, nasal endoscopy, and allergy tests are a few other tests that may be needed to diagnose the severity of the infection.

In many cases, home remedies or over-the-counter (OTC) pain relieving medicines would help treat headaches or pressure in the forehead or cheeks. The doctor will prescribe antibiotic therapy to block any sinuses’ growth in cases of bacterial infection. In cases of chronic symptoms that do not improve or heal with medication, sinus surgery would be an option to clear sinuses, treat structural deformity related to the nose or remove polyps. The types of sinus surgery are-

  • Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS)– In FESS, with the help of a magnifying endoscope, the surgeon views and removes the infected tissue or bone. With a small incision inside the nose, an endoscope equipped with a camera and light is inserted to help reduce the blockage and drainage of sinuses.
  • Turbinate Reduction Surgery – This surgery uses radio frequency to reduce the swelling of the turbinates (tiny structures in the nose that cleanse the air passing through the nostrils). A needle-like instrument is inserted into the swollen tissue to control the damage. The turbinates gradually heal and reduce in size allowing proper and easy breathing.

Sinus Ostial Dilation Surgery– In this type of surgery, with the help of a balloon catheter inserted into the blocked sinus passage, the balloon is inflated and a saline solution is injected to flush out the mucus.

Health-promoting lifestyle is one of the ways to prevent inflammation. This includes a healthy and nutritious diet, exercise, limiting exposure to allergens and irritants, maintaining good hygiene, and avoiding contact with infected people.

Knowing the causes and symptoms of sinusitis help in treating the inflammation timely and preventing the recurrence of the same in the future.

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Heart Attack

Cardiovascular Health for Everyone

Heart disease today is one of the leading cause of death for both men and women worldwide. Cardiovascular health means the health of the heart and blood vessels. We have to lead a healthy lifestyle and take steps to lower the risk of developing Cardiovascular diseases (CVD). A healthy lifestyle, in addition to staying active and eating nutritious meals also includes taking care of your heart and arteries. By implementing the right and healthy habits into your daily life, you can prevent CVD and reduce your risk even further. This article will discuss the ways to keep your heart healthy and reduce your risk of heart disease. Keep reading to learn more!

Know your Risks

Since anyone can get heart disease, cardiovascular health goals start with identifying if you have the following risks:

  • Diabetes
  • Hypertension or High Blood Pressure
  • High Cholesterol
  • Obesity
  • Lack of physical activity
  • Poor eating habits
  • Smoking and Drinking
  • Family history of heart disease

How To Achieve Cardiovascular Health for Everyone

Since cardiovascular health is a concern for almost everyone, we have to look into all factors like hereditary conditions, lifestyle habits like drinking and smoking, and socio-environmental contributors like air pollution, stress, and our sedentary lives. To live with a healthy heart and avoid the risk of cardiovascular problems, you must-

Eat a Heart-Healthy Diet:

Eating a heart-healthy diet is one of the best ways to keep your heart healthy and reduce your risk of CVD. Heart-healthy foods are low in saturated fats and sodium and are high in nutrients such as fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Heart-healthy foods include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy products. Healthy eating is not just about cutting calories but also about getting the right balance of nutrients. Heart-healthy eating is not only about what you eat but also how often you eat it. Eating too little or too often throughout the day is unhealthier and can lead to an unhealthy heart.

Exercise Regularly and Get Active:

A healthy diet is great, but exercise is even better for cardiovascular health. Exercise has numerous health benefits, including lowering cholesterol and blood pressure and increasing HDL (good) cholesterol. It can also reduce your risk of Type 2 diabetes and increase your life expectancy by years. The best part about exercise is; you can do it at any time, place, and with almost any equipment. Whether walking on the treadmill or cycling with your stationary bike, activity can benefit your heart health in many ways and improve your quality of life.

Maintain the Right Weight:

By eating the right food and exercising well, we also have to pay attention to our weight. Being overweight and on the wrong side of the scale is not a good sign. Obesity is one of the risk factors for CVD.

Take a Daily Dose of Vitamin D:

While many people know that they need to eat vitamin-rich food to maintain a healthy body and heart, many are unaware that they also need to take a daily oral supplement to get the same benefit. The human body needs Vitamin D to function properly, and it also plays a crucial role in regulating blood pressure, improving bone health, and strengthening the immune system, which is all crucial for cardiovascular health. The best way to get vitamin D is to get outside and sun exposure every day. Unfortunately, that isn’t always possible. That is why a daily supplement is also an option. However, it is advisable to not self-medicate and always consult your doctor and follow his advice and instructions before taking any Vitamin D supplements. Doctor-recommended dosage of Vitamin supplements helps make good the vitamin deficiency in your body in the right way. 

Don’t Smoke or Hold Onto Your Breath:

Smoking, exposure to second smoke, and holding your breath can damage your heart and arteries. Smoking is linked to a number of health issues, including heart disease. People who smoke are at a higher risk of CVD because of the damage done to the body by smoking. Holding your breath for too long is also harmful to your heart. Short-term moments of holding your breath, such as swimming underwater or blowing out birthday candles, are not harmful. However, holding your breath for an extended period, such as while performing complicated tasks or playing sports, can damage your heart and arteries.

Consult your doctor for timely and proper treatment if you have any signs of CVD, like chest pain, chest heaviness, shortness of breath, pain or numbness in the legs or arms, fatigue, or dizziness. Seeking immediate medical attention and intervention can save you from significant heart complications.

Conclusion

Heart disease is a severe problem that affects millions of people worldwide. It is one of the most common causes of death in the world. The good news is that it can be prevented with a few simple lifestyle changes. Eat a healthy diet, exercise regularly, take doctor-recommendeddaily vitamin D dose, and don’t smoke or hold onto your breath. These few lifestyle changes will significantly lower your risk of heart disease. Keep these tips in mind, and you will be on your way to a heart-healthy lifestyle!

FAQs :

1. What is cardiovascular health?

Cardiovascular health means the health of the heart and the blood vessels. 

2. What are five ways to improve your cardiovascular health?

 Five ways to improve cardiovascular health are-

  • Leading an active lifestyle with regular exercise and walking to keep the heart active and healthy
  • Avoiding smoking and drinking, which can weaken and damage the heart
  • Eating heart-healthy foods and not indulging in overeating
  • Maintaining the right weight, which means avoiding being overweight
  • Not to take any stress

3. What is good for cardiovascular health? Any moderate physical activity like walking, running, cycling, swimming, or a game of tennis or badminton and skipping for at least 150 minutes per week is good for the heart.

4. What are the five major cardiovascular health problems?

Five major cardiovascular health problems are,

  • Heart attack aka coronary artery disease
  • Heart failure
  • Stroke
  • Arrhythmia
  • Heart valve complications

5. What triggers cardiovascular disease? Risk factors like poor and unhealthy diet, lack of exercise and physical activity, smoking and drinking, high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity and overweight, and high cholesterol trigger cardiovascular disease.

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Suture

Common Sutures Used in Dentistry for Periodontal Surgery

Sutures Used in Dentistry for Periodontal Surgery

Periodontal surgery in dentistry means preventing or correcting anatomical, developmental, traumatic, or plaque-related defects in the teeth and Gums. The periodontal gums are tissues that surround the teeth. These tissues help form the base of the tooth and support it. If the gums get damaged or diseased, you may need periodontal surgery. This involves removing a small portion of gum tissue to relieve pain or correct an issue with your gums. Dental suturing provides strength and integrity to the decayed tissue post-surgery and controls bleeding. It is essential to understand different types of periodontal sutures used in dental surgery as each work differently and has its pros and cons. It is also essential to understand what kind of surgery you are undergoing to know which type of suture is right for you.

What is a Suture?

A suture is a material, primarily a type of thread used extensively and commonly in all kinds of surgery as a tissue closure. When a suture is used in periodontal surgery, it is used to close the gap between two teeth. Sometimes, doctors may use sutures to correct gum disease or relieve pain. The most common sutures used in dental surgery are Polypropylene, Polyglactin 910, Silk and Polyglactin 910 Antibacterial.

Types of Sutures based on the material composition

Polypropylene : These are made from Polypropylene monofilament and are very strong yet soft, making them suitable for various periodontal surgeries.

Polyglactin 910 & Polyglactin 910 with Antibacterial : These are made from Polyglactin 910, a synthetic absorbable material with excellent Histocompatibility with the Gum tissues. These can be also be had with Antibacterial properties

Silk : Non absorbable braided, coated suture made from natural silk filaments widely used across dental surgeries

Properties of good Sutures

Selecting the right suture depends on the anatomical structure and the area where surgery is to be performed, as much as the surgeon’s technique and experience. The properties of an ideal suture are

  • Durability – is the quality of a suture’s strength or ability to withstand stress.
  • Tensile Strength – is the amount of force needed to stretch a suture. Minimum tension force should be applied to the suture to enable wound closure.
  • Elasticity – is the degree to which a suture can be stretched without being torn and the ability to return to its original form and length after the stretch.
  • Knot Security – Is related to the suture knot not getting slipped once the surgeon has placed on the tissue
  • Minimal Tissue Reaction – A good suture should resist the bacterial growth and cause minimal reaction in the tissue post implantation

Suturing Techniques used in Periodontal Surgery

Simple Interrupted Technique : It is the most common suture technique where the suture passes from one side of the wound and exits on the other, with a knot on top.

Risks in Periodontal Surgery

The risks associated with periodontal surgery are-

  • Graft Infection – This is where infection occurs in the grafted area. The chances of this happening are low, but it is still a risk.
  • Wound Infection – This happens when an infection occurs in the surgical wound. The chances of this happening are high.
  • Bleeding – This happens when the suture tears during surgery or the surgical site ooze blood.
  • Pain – This is usually associated with surgery and caused by the cut tissue.

Advantages of Sutures Used in Periodontal Surgery

The advantages of sutures used in periodontal surgery are-

  • Quick Recovery – When compared to other types of surgery, oral surgeries have less recovery time because the muscles are not damaged.
  • No Reassessment Needed for Wound Care – Most oral surgeries require the patient to be reassessed for wound care, but sutures do not.
  • No Oral Surgery for Jaw Fusion – Oral surgeries such as extraction of teeth and periodontal surgery do not require a fusion of the jaw, making a recovery faster as less time is spent in the hospital.
  • No Oral Surgery for Orthodontic Treatment – Periodontal surgery can be performed on non-adherent gums, whereas extractions are usually performed on adherent gums. This makes recovery quicker as less time is spent in the hospital.

Conclusion

Periodontal or gum surgery is a surgical procedure in which the inflamed and septic Gums are treated by grafting healthy gums from the oral gum tissues. The most common periodontal surgeries are gum re-habilitation, gingival augmentation, and gum grafting. Due to the risk of infection, gum re- habilitation and gum grafting are the only two gums surgeries that need to be performed in a sterile environment. The patient’s gums are often too damaged to re- habilitate or graft them. In this case, a re-habilitation may be performed to help the patient eat soft foods again.

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Piles

Everything You Need to Know About Haemorrhoids

‍Introduction

Many people suffer from piles, another term for Haemorrhoids, but the symptoms are always not the same and vary from person to person. These variations mean that not everyone will have the same experience with this common ailment. Therefore, there are varying degrees of severity depending on the presence or absence of symptoms.

What are Haemorrhoids?

Piles or Haemorrhoids are a widespread disorder that affects the large and/or small blood vessels of the rectum and/or anal canal. They cause localized swelling and painful inflammation of the tissues and veins in the lower anus and rectum, leading to tissue growths varying in and around the anus, leading to significant discomfort. It usually occurs due to straining during bowel movements and sitting on the toilet for long periods. This inflammation can cause bleeding, swelling, and itching, which is why it’s also known as anal fissure or anal itching. Although it can occur at any age, it is more likely to strike after middle age and especially after childbirth. The discomfort resulting from Haemorrhoids can be so intense that some people mistake it for a more serious medical condition such as appendicitis or internal bleeding.

Types of Haemorrhoids

There are two kinds of Haemorrhoids- internal and external.

Internal piles are typically not visible during an external examination and occur within the rectum. In contrast, an external one protrudes outside of the anus forming small lumps around the outside edge, the medical term being prolapsed hemorrhoid. They can be very itchy and painful should a blood clot develop, which can block blood flow. Such thrombosed external piles need immediate medical attention.

Doctors have graded internal piles as follows,

  • Grade 1, where the growth of tissues does not protrude out of the anus and cause any symptoms.
  • Grade 2, where the prolapsed Haemorrhoids go back inside on their own.
  • Grade 3, where the prolapsed hemorrhoid requires manual intervention to recede.
  • Grade 4, the piles prolapse outside of the anus, and manual intervention cannot push it inside.

Causes of Haemorrhoids

Haemorrhoids or piles are a result of increased pressure in the lower rectum, and several factors cause them,

  • an anal sphincter (the muscle that controls stool movement),
  • weakness and/or spasms,
  • sitting too long on the toilet,
  • not wiping enough in a sitting position,
  • straining during bowel movement
  • Chronic diarrhea
  • Chronic constipation
  • Lifting heavy objects

Diet may also play a role in the development of this condition. Bodies react to certain substances found in certain foods, and sometimes this reaction causes the veins of the anus to become irritated and swollen. A high-fiber diet may increase the risk of developing Haemorrhoids because it increases the amount of stool passed through the body. An increase in fiber in the diet may make it more difficult to fully evacuate the intestines, resulting in straining and, ultimately, Haemorrhoids.

Symptoms of Haemorrhoids

In most cases of piles, the symptoms are not very serious and go away on their own. The most common symptoms  experienced are

  • Pain. Pain or discomfort in the anus that comes and goes, including lumps. Pain can be mild to severe and can be experienced as a burning sensation, aching, or pressure.
  • Bleeding. Haemorrhoids may also cause bleeding or an urgent need to pass stool due to anal spasms. Excessive bleeding can lead to anemia and infection.
  • Itching. Itching and discomfort around the anus or rectum.
  • Discomfort. Feeling of discomfort during and after passing stools, and/or a feeling of fecal incontinence like one needs to pass stool, but nothing is happening.
  • Blood in stools. Blood while passing stools is a common symptom of piles.

Risk factors of Haemorrhoids

Certain factors increase the risk of getting piles like,

  • Straining. Straining while having a bowel movement.
  • Toilet Overuse. Sitting on the toilet for extended periods.
  • Age. The condition is more likely to occur in older individuals.
  • Obesity. Overweight people are more likely to develop piles.
  • Diet. Haemorrhoids are more likely to occur in people who consume a low-fiber diet.
  • Pregnancy. Pregnant women often develop Haemorrhoids because of the increased amount of stool passing through their digestive tracts. In addition, the increased pressure on the veins in the anal canal can cause them to become swollen and painful.

When to See a Doctor

When there is persistent bleeding from the rectum for more than a week, the individual must see a doctor.

Diagnosis

At the time of physical examination of th anus for suspected piles, the doctor will ask the following,

  • Family history of piles
  • Presence of blood or mucus in the stools
  • Color of stool
  • Any recent unexplained weight loss
  • Any recent change in bowel movement

In case of internal piles, the doctor may use a proctoscope to perform a digital rectal examination (DRE) to see the anal canal up close and collect a tissue sample from inside the rectum for clinical analysis. In addition, the patient may be recommended to undergo colonoscopy if the signs and symptoms indicate a digestive system disease or risk factors for colorectal cancer.

Food to help treat and prevent Haemorrhoids

The following foods help in the management, treatment, and prevention of Haemorrhoids,

  • Bananas – This fruit’s high fiber content helps prevent and treat Haemorrhoids.
  • Whole-wheat bread – This is a high-fiber bread that helps to prevent and treat Haemorrhoids.
  • Oatmeal – This high-fiber food is also rich in essential vitamins and minerals.
  • Cucumber – This vegetable is high in water, which helps to keep the anal canal hydrated, reduces inflammation, and prevents and treats anal itching.
  • Grapes – This fruit is high in natural antioxidants that have anti-inflammatory properties.
  • Apples – Apples’ high fiber content helps prevent and treat Haemorrhoids.
  • Kiwi fruit – This high-fiber fruit is rich in vitamins and minerals, which have anti-inflammatory properties.
  • Pineapple – This high-fiber fruit is rich in vitamin C and anti-inflammatory properties.
  • Watermelon – This high-fiber fruit is also rich in vitamins and minerals.

Prevention and Treatment for Haemorrhoids

In most cases, Haemorrhoids resolve on their own and require no treatment. However, in some cases, medicines and treatment will be given to reduce the pain and discomfort of itching and make the symptoms more manageable.

  • Medications – Your doctor may prescribe anal fissure medications. These include over-the-counter (OTC) painkillers, anti-inflammatory agents, and antibiotics to reduce discomfort, stool softeners, and laxatives to soften the stool and make it easier to pass and reduce the pain. These medications are to be taken for a certain period of time and then stopped.
  • Antispasmodics and Anal Sterilization – These are herbs or supplements that are to be taken orally or inserted into the anal canal to reduce anal spasms and relieve anal pain. These are non-prescription remedies that are to be taken for a certain period of time until the condition goes away.
  • Ointments –  Corticosteroid creams and anal fissure ointments help to relieve itching and reduce inflammation and pain.
  • Home Remedies – Some people prefer to use natural remedies to treat their Haemorrhoids. These include eating cucumbers and drinking watermelon juice.
  • Lifestyle Changes – Doctors will recommend a bunch of lifestyle changes to manage and lower the risk of developing Haemorrhoids. Those measures include regular exercise to stay active, maintaining moderate weight, avoiding heavy lifting and caffeinated drinks, increased water intake and food high in fiber to prevent constipation, and not straining while going to the bathroom.
  • Natural Remedies – Haemorrhoids can be a source of great discomfort. If this is the case, talk to your doctor about the possibility of using natural remedies to reduce the pain and treat the condition.

Procedural Options

There are minimally invasive procedures should medications and home treatments fail to treat piles or in case of severe prolapsed piles or heavily bleeding internal piles.

  • Rubber Band Litigation: Employed to treat prolapsed piles, the doctor wraps a specific type of elastic band around the base of the Haemorrhoids, cutting off its blood supply. The banded component of hemorrhoid shrivels and falls off within a week.
  • Sclerotherapy – Especially effective for Grade 2 and Grade 3 Haemorrhoids, the doctor injects a medicine into the Haemorrhoids causing them to shrink and stop bleeding.
  • Infrared Coagulation – In this procedure, the doctor uses an infrared light devise to burn the tissues of the internal piles. As a result, scar tissues form, cutting off the blood supply and reducing the piles.
  • Hemorrhoidectomy:  Hemorrhoidectomy as a surgical procedure involves complete removal of the prolapse of Haemorrhoids. There is always the risk of complications like difficulty in passing stools.
  • MIPH (Minimally invasive procedure for Hemorrhoid): In this procedure, the internal hemorrhoid tissue is removed, and the doctor will pull back the prolapse of internal hemorrhoid into the anus by using a special stapling circular device and cut off the blood supply to the hemorrhoid tissue.

FAQs

Will Haemorrhoids go away on their own?

Haemorrhoids may go away on their own if the underlying risk factors are addressed, such as straining while having a bowel movement and not sitting on the toilet for too long.

How can I prevent Haemorrhoids?

Regular exercise, a high fiber diet, and drinking plenty of water can help prevent and treat Haemorrhoids.

What are some home remedies for Haemorrhoids?

Some people prefer to use natural remedies such as nettle leaf, aloe vera, and honey to treat their Haemorrhoids.

Are Haemorrhoids common?

Haemorrhoids are common, but not every individual experiences pain or discomfort.

What should I do if I experience symptoms?

See a doctor if you experience any pain or discomfort during a bowel movement.

Are piles serious?

If left untreated, piles can be severe and debilitating, affecting one’s quality of life.

How do you know if you have piles?

If you experience pain at the time of passing stools and see blood in the stools, that is an indication of piles.

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Hip Replacement

What You Must Know About Geriatric Fractures

Introduction

The natural aging process changes the body, biologically, physiologically and psychologically, along with other changes increasing older people’s susceptibility to disabilities and diseases. The term Geriatric means “of old age” and often refers to older people’s health conditions such as osteoporosis and dementia and healthcare. There is an increased risk for fractures in older people due to the bones getting weaker and losing strength and density. That’s why it is essential to know the signs of a fracture in the elderly so you can take action before an injury becomes more serious. If you have an older family member or friend, they’ve likely experienced a broken bone or two. After all, an estimated 71% of adults will break a bone at some point. However, this doesn’t mean that everyone experiences fractures in the same way or at the same rate as others.

What are Geriatric Fractures?

Geriatric fractures are broken bones that affect older people more often than not. There are several different types of geriatric fractures, each associated with a health condition and resulting in different symptoms. Fractures more often than not happen due to falls, accidents, or as a result of a direct impact or trauma to the affected body part.

Types of Geriatric Fractures

The two most common geriatric fractures are osteoporosis-related fractures and falls-related fractures. Osteoporosis-related fractures occur when older adults with osteoporosis have low bone mass, bone strength, and low bone density. This makes their bones more likely to fracture. Falls-related fractures occur when an older adult has low bone density and falls because they are not as strong as they used to be. This can happen because their balance is affected by a related medical condition such as dementia or the side effects of medication. Other types of geriatric fractures include fractures associated with poor muscle function and bone infections.

Symptoms of Geriatric Fracture

The most common symptom of a bone fracture in the elderly is pain and impairment of mobility. However, if the fracture is causing other symptoms, it’s necessary to see a doctor.

  • Pain in the limb that is difficult to explain, for example, or pain that goes away when the limb is bent, can be a sign of a fractured bone.
  • Limping or having a hard time walking can be a sign of a more serious injury and should not be ignored.
  • Redness, swelling or warmth, or bruising around the broken bone can indicate a more serious injury and should be a concern.
  • Loss of strength in the arm or leg can indicate a more serious injury.
  • A feeling of obvious deformity or change in how the broken bone feels can indicate that the bone has shifted or moved inside the joint, which can signify a more serious injury.

Risk Factors for Geriatric Fractures

Geriatric fractures like hip fractures can be debilitating with increased mortality, loss of independence, and long-term disability. Hence, we must pay enough attention to the risk factors for Geriatric Fractures and work towards fracture prevention and patient education.

Poor bone health: People with osteoporosis and low bone mass are at an increased risk for
fractures. Osteoporosis is a condition that occurs when bones lose too much bone density. 
The bones become weak and more fragile, leading to associated disorders like low body weight, malabsorption syndromes like chronic liver disease (CLD) and inflammatory bowel disease, primary hyperparathyroidism, rheumatoid arthritis, and long-term immobility.

  • Dementia: People with dementia lose the cognitive functioning of the brain. They become forgetful, and their thinking gets impaired, affecting their daily life. These people are more prone to accidents and falls and are also likely to have low bone density, thereby increasing the risk of fractures.
  • Medication side effects: People who take medication to control blood pressure, reduce glucose levels, or control seizures are at an increased risk of fractures due to changes in their balance and strength.
  • Obesity: Obese are at an increased risk of osteoporosis and fractures. Obesity affects more than just your looks and is also associated with an increased risk of fractures.
  • Poor Lifestyle and Behavioral Factors: Sedentary lifestyle, poor eating, sleeping, lack of physical activity, and unregulated drinking and smoking contribute to poor bone health and associated complications. Those with low calcium intake, vitamin D deficiency and lack of physical activity are equally at risk.

How are Geriatric Fractures Diagnosed?

It is often difficult to diagnose a geriatric fracture with/without any health conditions causing them. The doctor will ask about signs and symptoms, complete medical history of both patient and general family health to determine if there are underlying health conditions or any other risk factors for fractures associated with advancing age, and physically examine and try to determine the type of fracture by ordering for the following tests to help make the diagnosis,

  • an X-ray
  • a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan
  • or a Computed tomography (CT) scan

Prevention of Geriatric Fractures

It is beyond our control to prevent or predict geriatric fractures caused by falls, accidents, and other injuries. As a silent epidemic, increasing fractures among the elderly are becoming a major public health concern. It is a priority to prevent fractures in older people or people over 65. The challenge is to identify those at most risk, especially those who have previously had a fall, intervene and assess risk levels, and ensure timely and cost-effective treatment. Awareness about improving bone health and reducing any risk of injury is a must.

  • A calcium and Vitamin D-rich diet to keep bones healthy and strong.
  • Follow a weight-bearing exercise regime to keep bones strong.
  • Complete abstinence from smoking. Tobacco and nicotine increase bone fracture risk and slow down the healing process.

Treatment of Geriatric Fractures

As an older person, if you’re concerned about your symptoms or have a broken bone that doesn’t cause other symptoms, don’t wait to see a doctor. Do not attempt to treat the fracture yourself. The most important thing to do is protect the injured limb, put the broken pieces of the bone back in place, expedite medical intervention to heal to reduce the pain and trauma, and avoid any complications.

Treatments typically include –

  • putting the fractured bone in a splint or cast
  • medication to reduce/control the pain
  • traction to stretch the muscles and tendons around the injured bone to help alignment and healing, and
  • surgery to fix certain types of fractured bones into place. Surgery involves the installation of metal rods or pins inside the bone or outside the body to hold the bone fragments in place for them to heal.

The prognosis for Geriatric Fractures

The prognosis for a geriatric fracture is good if the fracture is diagnosed early and treated properly. But if it is not managed properly, it can result in serious complications. It’s crucial to protect an injured limb and see a doctor. In many cases, the fracture can be treated with medication, surgery, or a combination of these procedures. It’s important to know that even when the fracture heals, some changes in the bone may be permanent.

Conclusion

Fractures are a serious risk for older adults, especially those with low bone density, a fall-related or osteoporosis-related fracture, or a fracture associated with poor muscle function. For these reasons, it’s important to know the signs of a fracture and protect yourself from injury. If you notice any sign of a fracture, don’t hesitate to see a doctor. They can help protect your health and avoid serious long-term damage.

FAQs

What type of fractures is most common in the elderly?

Older people are at high risk of bone fragility, falls, and fractures. The most common fractures among the elderly are hip fractures, accounting for at least 90 percent. Typically, all appendicular fractures are precipitated by a fall.

Why are fractures common in the elderly?

Fractures are most common in the elderly because of advancing age, bones getting weaker and brittle due to osteoporosis, and an unfortunate fall. The bones get more fragile with age with the natural bone tissue changes. For women, especially after menopause, the bones get weaker and thinner with the decline in the female hormone estrogen.

Why do the elderly take longer to heal fractures?

The elderly usually take longer to heal fractures because of the declining count of stem cells in the bone marrow due to old age. Recovery from a bone fracture requires sufficient vascularization and the formation of blood vessels in the tissue. Advancing age tends to hinder this process by preventing crucial bone healing sites.

Can the elderly recover from fractures?

When the elderly experience a fall and a fracture, many recover fully, get back on their feet, and lead normal lives. The key lies in prompt action and dealing with all kinds of falls and fractures with precision and timely medical intervention in the case of any type of fracture involving the upper leg, knees, pelvis, hip, skull, back and neck.

How do you know if a fracture is healing?

Never mind how big or small a fracture is, there are 4 tell-tale signs to tell if a fracture is healing or not.

  1. Decreasing Pain – When the intensity of pain a fracture afflicted person experiences is on the decline.
  2. Improved Mobility – The healing period of a fracture can render a fracture-afflicted elderly patient pretty immobile. As the healing takes over, the mobility of the affected limb will improve.
  3. Lack of Bruising – When the area around a fractured bone shows no signs of bruising, the fracture is healing well.
  4. Decreasing Swelling – When the area around a fractured bone displays less swelling, know that it’s healing well.

Can an old fracture cause problems years later?

An untreated bone fracture can result in either a nonunion or a delayed union. When the bone doesn’t heal at all, it is called nonunion fracture. As a result, swelling, tenderness, and pain will continue to worsen. Delayed union fracture is when the bone takes more than the usual time to heal.

Can broken bones cause dementia?

The quality of life after an older person suffers from a fracture significantly affects the onset of
dementia. The after-effects of a bone fracture can result in less mobility and decline in physical agility, chronic pain, and prolonged inflammatory cytokine secretion during fracture repair can end up contributing to dementia.

When does a fracture stop hurting?

After a broken bone fracture of an older person is fixed by the doctor without surgery, the pain may subside significantly right after. However, an elderly person may experience some pain for up to 3-4 weeks and mild pain for up to 6-7 weeks after surgery.

What happens if a fracture doesn’t heal?

After a bone fracture, the body gets into a healing mode. If the broken parts of the bones are not properly aligned, the bone will go on to heal with a deformity called a malunion. This happens when a new bone occupies the huge space between the displaced ends of the broken bone.

What slows down bone healing?

High glucose levels and habits like smoking and drinking delay bone healing. For all elderly patients with fractured bones, being immobile for some time is a crucial factor in the treatment process. The healing process significantly slows down with any movement of bone fragments.

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