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Geriatric Long Bone Fractures

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Geriatric Trauma and Acute Care Surgery

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Abstract

Long bone fractures in the elderly are uncommon. According to a retrospective database review performed by Keller et al. [1], fractures of the ribs, distal radius, pelvic ring, facial bones, proximal humerus, clavicle, ankle, and sacrum were the most common fractures in patients over age 65. Although uncommon, fractures of the tibial and femoral diaphysis can have devastating functional effects on elderly patients and have increased rates of morbidity and mortality compared to equivalent fractures in younger patients [2]. Schatzker et al. [3] in their 1974 review of 68 patients with distal femur fractures recommended cast treatment for all elderly patients with easily reducible fractures and described using internal fixation in patients with osteoporosis due to the risks of implant failure, malunion, and nonunion. Since that time, treatment of elderly patients with diaphyseal fractures of the tibia and femur has changed dramatically. That being said, as is the case with all implants in osteoporotic bone, true fixation may be difficult without supplemental fixation. Treatment depends on the patient’s overall functional status with the goal of early mobilization and pain control.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Silver State Orthopedics, 3196 South Maryland Pkwy, Suite 112, Las Vegas, NV, 89109, USA

    Jessica G. Kingsberg M.D.

  2. Allegheny Health Network, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, 19129, USA

    Daniel T. Altman M.D.

Authors
  1. Jessica G. Kingsberg M.D.
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  2. Daniel T. Altman M.D.
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Correspondence to Daniel T. Altman M.D. .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Allegheny General Hospital, Former Director of trauma, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA

    Aurelio Rodriguez

  2. Suite 202, Lehigh Valley Health Network Suite 202, Allentown, Pennsylvania, USA

    Robert. D Barraco

  3. Virginia Commonwealth University, RICHMOND, Virginia, USA

    Rao R. Ivatury

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Kingsberg, J.G., Altman, D.T. (2018). Geriatric Long Bone Fractures. In: Rodriguez, A., Barraco, R., Ivatury, R. (eds) Geriatric Trauma and Acute Care Surgery . Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-57403-5_14

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-57403-5_14

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