Open AccessOsteoporotic Fractures: What Orthopaedic Surgeons Can Do to Prevent the Next Fall and the Next Fracture?
Author(s) -
Mai P. Nguyen,
Nicholas P. Gan,
An. Miller
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
journal of orthopaedic trauma
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.221
H-Index - 121
eISSN - 1531-2291
pISSN - 0890-5339
DOI - 10.1097/bot.0000000000002227
Subject(s) - medicine , orthopedic surgery , fall prevention , occupational safety and health , physical therapy , osteoporosis , injury prevention , poison control , medical emergency , surgery , pathology
Falls are the leading cause of injuries for geriatric patients, causing significant morbidity and mortality. Orthopaedic surgeons should take an active role in decreasing patient falls, improving patient bone health, and initiate care to prevent subsequent fracture. In this manuscript, we outline 5 areas for orthopaedic surgeons to intervene and prevent the next fall: (1) patient education; (2) modifying environment/home safety measures; (3) medical fall risk assessment; (4) bone health evaluation and optimization; and (5) physical/occupational therapy.