Why are middle-aged and elderly people prone to fractures?
A fracture refers to the interruption of the integrity and continuity of a bone, resulting in partial or complete fracture of the bone due to external or internal causes. Fractures are mainly caused by accidents, which are common in the rapidly developing modern life. While fractures may seem scary, it is important to have the right attitude and seek proper medical attention. Modern hospitals have advanced medical equipment and procedures, and most fractures can be properly treated and set.
Fractures are particularly common in middle-aged and elderly people, with many experiencing hip fractures from a fall or rib fractures from a cough. Why are middle-aged and elderly people prone to fractures? This is due to the following reasons:
1. Increased bone fragility: As people age, their ability to absorb and utilize protein and calcium decreases. After the age of 30, the rate of bone cell breakdown exceeds the rate of bone cell synthesis, leading to bone loss and increased fragility. This makes them more susceptible to fractures.
2. Tendon stiffness: With aging, muscle and tendon function decline, leading to reduced mobility and increased stiffness. The elasticity and toughness of tendons decrease, muscles atrophy, and the coordination between muscles is impaired. This imbalance in forces on the bones during movement can result in fractures.
3. Decreased self-protection: As people age, their physical sensitivity decreases and the brain's responsiveness to unexpected events decreases. Their ability to protect themselves and maintain balance significantly decreases. They are less able to cope with sudden changes in posture, making them more prone to accidental fractures.
The adverse consequences of fractures in middle-aged and elderly people are evident. As the saying goes, "It takes one hundred days to recover from a joint or bone injury." What are the common fractures in middle-aged and elderly people?
Common fractures in middle-aged and elderly people:
Common fractures in middle-aged and elderly people include distal radius fractures, intertrochanteric fractures of the femur, femoral neck fractures, compression fractures of the lumbar vertebrae, and osteoporotic fractures.
In particular, accidental falls in the elderly can result in fractures of the distal radius when the hand bears the force. Falling onto the hip can cause hip fractures, and bending over while carrying weight can lead to fractures of the thoracic and lumbar vertebrae. Additionally, elderly people are more prone to osteoporotic fractures due to severe calcium loss.
