How long does it take for fractures to heal in the elderly?

Question

Hi doctor,

My mother, who is 70 years old, fell and broke her forearm. Because of her age and weakness, surgery is not possible. So the doctor has suggested plastering the fracture and giving her bone-forming injections. Have some questions about this line of treatment -

Will it help her recover from the fracture?
How long is the recovery process likely to be?
How much recovery is there likely to be?
Will there be a 60 % recovery? Or 80 % recovery?

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Thanks for the query.

I have seen the X-rays (attachments removed for patient identity protection). There are two things.

The bones at the fracture site are not aligned in an acceptable position.
The bones are very weak due to osteoporosis.

We have to treat osteoporosis for sure, without a doubt. The treatment of a fracture depends on her injury status.

How independent was she before the injury?
Is she right-handed?
Any other comorbidities like diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease she has?

Thank you.

Answer 2

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I feel her bone are really weak. Any surgery will not be successful, and there are high chances of implant failure. My suggestion is the same. Go for closed reduction and plaster application.

1. The plaster will help her to recover. She might have some deformity later on, but that will not hamper her daily activities.

2. Plaster will be there for at least eight weeks.

3. No one can quantify the recovery. It will reveal with time. Recovery depends on bone quality and her body too.

Thank you.

Answer 3

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

There are still chances of non-union. If that happens, then it is better to go for surgery. But that is a low-possibility situation. The maximum possibility is that the bone will unite.

Thank you.