Article
Osteoporotic fractures: a problem of the old age, a problem in rehabilitation
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Published: | October 24, 2011 |
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Objective: Osteoporotic fractures has became one of the biggest problems in the resent decades. With ageing the number of the osteoporotic fractures increases. The aim of this study was to find the factors influencing the opportunity for rehabilitation.
Material/Methods: Retrospective study of the case history of all patients with osteoporotic fractures at the Department of Rehabilitation in the Szent János Hospital in Budapest, between 1.1.2004 and 31.12.2009. Authors classified the data from the point of view of the disability and analysed them with simple statistical methods. Osteoporotic fractures were defined as fractures,that happened without any big force. From the anamnestic data the authors identified factors which can lead to osteoporosis: early menopausa, hyperthyreosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and other immunological disease, problems with absorption, corticosteroid therapy alcohol or nicotine abuse. Data, which increase risk for accidents were also collected. Such as: hemiparesis, Parkinsons disease, immobility, post-polio syndrome. Factors influencing the rehabilitation process were also taken into consideration. These are mostly the consequences of the old age.
Results: During the six years 2441 patients in total participated in rehabilitation programme at the department, 836 of them had 905 osteoporotic fractures. 227 patients previously had an osteoporotic fracture, 13,5 % suffered from a disease and 12,2% took a drug that contributes to the onset of osteoporosis. 10% were in danger of falling because of a neurological disease. The mean age of the patients was 80,8 years, so most of them without any accident and fracture already had problems with seeing, hearing, orientation, posture, muscle strength, etc. These factors influence the rehabilitation of the elderly.
Conclusion: Allthough the possibility for healing post-operatic fracture is good, the quality of life of the patient will worser. The patient post fracture needs more help to take care ofr him/herself. The complexity of caring for older patients with a fracture requires more attention in the rehabilitation.