Introduction
A broken leg is a fracture occurring to the leg bone. It may be due to one or multiple cracks or breaks of the bone. A broken leg is more likely to occur in older adults due to increased chances of falls or decreased bone density. Thinning of the bone or reduced bone density is more in females than males.
Why Are Older Adults More Prone to the Broken Leg?
Leg fractures usually occur due to traumatic reasons like falls or accidents. Fractures can be the main reason for hospitalization, lack of mobility, and depression in older adults. Older adults are more prone to broken legs due to the combined or individual presence of two underlying reasons- weak bones and increased chances of falls. With age, simple accidents may lead to falls and fractures, and the breaks or cracks may also lead to other serious health issues.
Age-related loss of muscle mass or sarcopenia is the leading cause of diminishing strength and balance in older adults. Eyesight reduction also plays a role in increasing falls. Underlying health conditions like heart disease, diabetes (increased blood sugar level), dementia (lack of memory and thinking ability), and intake of certain medications can also impair balance and coordination, causing falls.
The fractures increase with age due to thinning of bones, called osteoporosis. With age, bone density decreases, and the bones naturally get thinner. Thin bones quickly get fractures with minor trauma or accidents. Osteoporosis is more rapidly to occur in older females due to menopause (stoppage of menstruation). Menopause decreases the female hormone estrogen level and makes the women's bones thin.
What Are the Symptoms of a Broken Leg in Older Adults?
The strongest bone in the body is the thigh bone, called the femur. Since it is the strongest, more force is required to create a fracture to this bone. Femur breaks can be deadly in older adults and are more likely in adults with osteoporosis, severe lack of nutrition, and under medication that can thin bones. The main symptoms are:
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Severe pain.
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Inability to put weight on the injured leg.
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Pieces of the femur may break through the skin, causing bleeding. This condition is called an open fracture.
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Portions of the femur may push up toward the skin without piercing the skin. It is called a closed fracture.
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Bruise on the thigh.
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Swelling.
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The injured leg may be shorter than the uninjured one.
Fractures can also occur in the tibia and fibula. Tibia and fibula are the two long bones located in the lower leg. The tibia is the larger bone on the inside and is much thicker. The fibula is the smaller bone on the outside. Open fractures of the tibia and fibula can also take place. Pain, swelling, and tenderness are the main symptoms.
How to Manage the Broken Leg in the Elderly?
Splints - Broken femur can be treated with a splint covering the whole leg and sometimes upwards towards the hips. Splinting is a temporary solution to reduce pain and keep the fractured bone steady.
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Traction - By traction, certain body parts will be pulled in specific directions using pulleys, weights, strings, and a metal frame attached, usually on the bed. It will cause stretching and helps the ends of the bones to align and heal.
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Surgery - Open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) and external fixation are usually performed to treat a broken leg. The healthcare provider will do the surgery to increase the healing of the fractured bone. In ORIF, the surgeon makes an incision at the hip or knee joint, arranges the broken pieces, and stabilizes them with the help of a metal piece. Metal pieces used will be in the form of rods, screws, or metal plates. In external fixation, the broken femur will be stabilized with the help of metal bolts.
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Physical therapy - The patient requires physiotherapy throughout recovery to bring back mobility and reduce stiffness.
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Medications - The health care provider will ask about the person's symptoms and prescribe medications to relieve symptoms like pain and swelling.
What Are the Complications of a Broken Leg?
Complications of a broken leg and the surgery performed may include the following:
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Acute Compartment Syndrome (ACS) - In this condition, pressure builds up in the muscles and may lead to pain and swelling. It can lead to permanent damage to muscles and nerves.
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Broken ends of the bone may not get adequately connected, causing healing of the bone in an abnormal position.
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Irritation may be caused by the metal placed inside during surgery.
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Ankle or Knee Pain - Broken leg can cause ankle or knee pain even after healing.
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Osteomyelitis - It is a bone infection caused when the fracture is open and gets affected by germs.
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Healing Abnormality - With age, healing may get prolonged, and chances of getting infections and pain may also increase.
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Damage to the Blood Vessels - Fractured bone may sometimes cause damage to the nerves and blood vessels.
What Are the Steps to Prevent Fractures?
Physical Activity - Staying physically active by doing regular exercises can improve the strength of the muscles and maintain flexibility. Mild weight-bearing activities can slow down the occurrence of osteoporosis.
Balancing and Strength Training Exercises - Practicing yoga and pilates can improve flexibility and balance and reduce the chances of falls.
Building Fall-Proof Setup - Creating a safe and fall-proof house suitable for adults may help the adults walk without hindrances.
Testing Eyesight - Checking eyesight and treating sight problems can help to reduce the risk of falls.
Sleep Is Vital - Getting adequate sleep is necessary to reduce tiredness and may help to stay focussed.
Limit or Avoid Alcohol - Too much alcohol intake can impair balance. Limiting alcohol consumption is essential.
Use Assistant Devices - Assistant devices like sticks or walkers can be considered if the individual starts having balance issues.
Diet - Adding adequate calcium and vitamin D can strengthen bones. Vitamin D is essential for calcium absorption and can also be acquired on exposure to sunlight. Protein-rich foods will help to build muscle and strength.
Conclusion
A broken leg may be a common problem in adults due to the increased risk of falling and decreased bone density. But the condition can be prevented to an extent by following proper steps related to lifestyle and healthcare. It is vital to check bone density, eyesight, and nutrient intake to take adequate preventive measures to limit the chances of falling. Proper care is also necessary after falls and surgery to align the bone and help the healing process not get prolonged.
