The Role of Geriatric Orthopaedics in Managing Fragility Fractures: Exploring How Multidisciplinary Approaches, Including Surgical Intervention, Pharmacotherapy, and Rehabilitation, Improve Outcomes in Elderly Patients with Osteoporotic Fractures
1Ali Raza, 2Hadi Raza, 3Mobeen Ali, 4Dr kishore kumar khatri, 5Mohib Ali, 6Dr Muhammad Azeem Akhund
1UHS Lahore
2PIMS
3PIMS
4Assistant Professor Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Traumatology PUMHS Nawabshah
5PIMS
6Associste Professor Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Traumatology PUMHS Nawabshah
Vol 14-03
Submission: 10th January 2024, Acceptance: 8th June 2024, Publication: 9th October 2024
Abstract
Background: Of Yearly fractures related to osteoporosis also known as fragility fractures occur most frequently in elderly and result in highest morbidity, immobility and mortality. Four of the more frequent types of fractures are hip, vertebral, and wrist fractures and sometimes present management challenges in elderly patients because of their concurrent diseases. These fractures seem to be on the rise and geriatric orthopaedics is very vital in the management of such conditions as breaking them down more into surgical, pharmacological and even rehabilitative interventions.
Aim: The purpose of the present work is to examine how geriatric orthopaedics enhance the care for elderly patients with osteoporotic fractures by considering surgical, medical, and rehabilitation management.
Methods: Retrospective cohort analysis of elderly patients (at least 65 years) with osteoporotic fractures confirmed by image findings was used, as well as the use of surgical treatment (internal fixation, arthroplasty), pharmacological (bisphosphonates, calcium, vitamin D), and rehabilitation regimes. The assessment of the results was based upon properties such as fracture healing, re-fracture rate, mobility, independence and overall mortality.
Results: The overall patient outcomes of timely surgery, pharmacotherapy, and early rehabilitation appeared to yield shorter healing time, decreased re-fracture rate, better functional recovery, and increased quality of life of the patients than those of the single-modality treatment. Long-term compliance with the pharmacological treatment was effective in preventing further fractures; on the other hand, early mobility was essential in achieving the functional level of independence. Conclusion: Healthcare management inclusive of interdisciplinary models in geriatric orthopaedics yields favourable clinical and functional results in elderly patients with fragility fractures. This analysis confirms the need for multimodal approach to care for individuals affected with this condition in order to enhance their surgical, pharmacological, and rehabilitative outcomes. Integrated care solutions should therefore form the cornerstone of such healthcare organizations caring for the elderly and their osteoporotic fractures.
Keywords: Fragility fractures, osteoporosis, geriatric orthopedics, multidisciplinary care, surgery, pharmacotherapy, rehabilitation, elderly, fracture management.