Condition Lookup

Hip fractures

Sub-category: Common Geriatric Injuries

Symptoms:
severe hip pain; inability to move or put weight on the leg; swelling or bruising around the hip; shortened and externally rotated leg

Root Cause:
Hip fractures often occur when the bone becomes weakened, typically due to osteoporosis, and is unable to withstand even minor trauma or fall. It can also be caused by falls, particularly in elderly patients.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Diagnosis is primarily through physical examination and confirmed by imaging studies, particularly X-rays. CT scans or MRIs may be used in more complex cases or when X-rays are inconclusive.

Treatment:
Treatment typically involves surgical intervention, such as a hip replacement (total or partial) or internal fixation using screws or plates. In some cases, non-surgical management with limited weight-bearing may be possible for certain fractures.

Medications:
Pain management is critical in the treatment of hip fractures. Common medications prescribed include opioids (e.g., morphine or oxycodone ) for acute pain relief, NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen or naproxen ) for inflammation and pain relief, and sometimes calcium and vitamin D supplements to support bone health. Opioids are classified as narcotic analgesics, while NSAIDs are classified as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Hip fractures are common in older adults, with women being more affected than men. It is estimated that about 1.6 million hip fractures occur worldwide annually, and the incidence is rising with the aging population.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Risk factors include advanced age, osteoporosis, previous fractures, low bone density, poor balance, physical inactivity, and certain medications (like corticosteroids). A history of falls, gait abnormalities, and environmental hazards (e.g., slippery floors) are also significant risk factors.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
With appropriate treatment, most patients can regain some degree of mobility, though recovery may take time. However, the risk of complications such as infections, blood clots, or further fractures is significant, especially in elderly individuals.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Common complications include infections (such as surgical site infections), deep vein thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary embolism, avascular necrosis (loss of blood supply to the hip), and delayed or non-union of the fracture. Long-term, individuals may experience chronic pain, decreased mobility, or require long-term care.

Vertebral compression fractures

Specialty: Trauma and Injuries

Category: Geriatric Trauma

Sub-category: Common Geriatric Injuries

Symptoms:
sudden onset of severe back pain, especially with movement or bending; height loss over time; stooped posture; numbness or weakness in the legs (if the spinal cord is affected)

Root Cause:
Vertebral compression fractures are most commonly caused by osteoporosis, which weakens the bones, making them more susceptible to breaking under even normal strain. These fractures can also be the result of trauma or lifting heavy objects.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Diagnosis is typically made through a physical exam and confirmed by imaging tests such as X-rays, MRI, or CT scans, which can show the extent of the bone collapse.

Treatment:
Treatment usually involves pain management (NSAIDs or opioids), rest, bracing, and physical therapy. In severe cases, vertebroplasty or kyphoplasty (procedures to stabilize the fracture using cement injection) may be performed.

Medications:
Medications often prescribed for vertebral compression fractures include opioid analgesics for severe pain (e.g., morphine ), NSAIDs for moderate pain (e.g., ibuprofen ), and bisphosphonates (e.g., alendronate ) to help treat osteoporosis and strengthen bones. Opioids are narcotic analgesics, NSAIDs are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and bisphosphonates are anti-osteoporotic medications.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Vertebral compression fractures are common, especially in older adults, and affect an estimated 700,000 people in the U.S. each year, most of whom have osteoporosis.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Major risk factors include age (especially postmenopausal women), osteoporosis, corticosteroid use, and a history of fractures. Low body weight and lack of physical activity also contribute.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
The prognosis depends on the severity of the fracture and the overall health of the patient. While many individuals recover with appropriate treatment, some may experience chronic pain or permanent deformity, such as a hunchback (kyphosis).

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Possible complications include nerve compression, chronic back pain, decreased mobility, and further fractures due to continued bone weakness.

Subdural hematomas from falls

Specialty: Trauma and Injuries

Category: Geriatric Trauma

Sub-category: Common Geriatric Injuries

Symptoms:
headache; nausea and vomiting; confusion or altered mental status; seizures; weakness or numbness in limbs

Root Cause:
Subdural hematomas occur when blood vessels between the brain and the dura mater (the outermost layer of the brain) are torn, typically due to a head injury from a fall. In the elderly, the brain may shrink, increasing the risk of bleeding.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Diagnosis is made through imaging studies such as CT scans or MRIs of the brain to visualize the location and size of the hematoma.

Treatment:
Treatment often involves surgical intervention to drain the hematoma if it is large or causing significant pressure on the brain. Conservative management may include monitoring and medications to reduce swelling and control symptoms.

Medications:
Medications can include anticonvulsants (e.g., levetiracetam ) to prevent seizures, pain medications (opioids for severe pain), and corticosteroids (e.g., dexamethasone ) to reduce brain swelling. Anticonvulsants are classified as antiepileptic drugs, opioids are narcotic analgesics, and corticosteroids are anti-inflammatory drugs.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Subdural hematomas are common among elderly individuals who experience falls, with an estimated 10-30% of older adults with a head injury developing a subdural hematoma.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Risk factors include advanced age, use of anticoagulants or antiplatelet drugs, history of alcohol use, and prior brain injuries. A higher frequency of falls in the elderly also increases the risk.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
The prognosis depends on the severity and size of the hematoma, as well as the speed of intervention. With prompt treatment, many individuals can recover, but severe cases can result in permanent neurological deficits or death.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Complications include long-term cognitive impairments, neurological deficits, seizures, and in some cases, death.