At Soroka University Medical Center, a revolutionary Fracture Liaison Service (FLS) is taking strides to protect the bones and lives of the elderly. Many falls result from issues like poor balance, diminished eyesight, or medication side effects, often leading to severe fractures. Such accidents are the tipping point, potentially resulting in debilitating conditions or even death.
Elderly individuals frequently fall during nighttime bathroom trips, where inadequate lighting and a rush to rise can lead to dangerous slips. This risk is compounded by factors such as low blood pressure or failing to use mobility aids. With age, quick reflexes decline, and many elderly persons lack the strength to avoid a fall.
Certain municipalities are proactive, offering services that install safety features like hand grips and non-skid mats. Unfortunately, Beersheba Municipality is notably absent in these efforts. The FLS at Soroka seeks to address these risks and aid patients with cognitive conditions like mild Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s disease in reducing their fall likelihood.
Research highlights that individuals with osteoporosis face a higher risk of subsequent fractures following an initial injury. To combat this, targeted therapies such as orthopedic surgery, pain management, and enhanced rehabilitation play a crucial role. The goal is clear: prevent a second fracture after the first, which can lead to a steep trajectory of health decline.
Falling is alarmingly the primary cause of mortality amongst seniors, with approximately half of those who fall never returning to normal function. In Israel, around 1,000 falls occur daily, leading to greater risk factors such as dehydration or psychological distress for those living alone.
The FLS at Soroka has recorded exciting successes, achieving a 48% reduction in recurrent hip fractures and a 29% decrease in mortality rates. This invaluable service collaborates with the endocrinology unit and geriatrics department, targeting patients over 50 who are hospitalised for hip fractures, ensuring vital follow-up care.
Osteoporosis predominantly affects older adults and is characterised by fractures from minimal trauma. After 50, women experience fractures at twice the rate of men, with most incidents occurring at home. The association of mortality with such fractures escalates with age and pre-existing health issues.
In the study examining patients aged 65 and older post-hip surgery, the FLS significantly increased follow-up rates, endocrinological consultations, and bone density evaluations while avoiding severe complications. The collaborative effort aims to enhance quality of life for these patients.
Led by a team of esteemed medical professionals, including Dr. Uri Yoel and Dr. Hadar Alkobi Weiss, their findings were published in Osteoporosis International. They emphasize a proactive approach in managing hip fractures, with a strong focus on prevention and patient tracking over time, ultimately aiming to reduce suffering and mortality among the elderly.
Dr. Yoel stated, “The implementation of the FLS service is an important and significant step in the treatment of elderly people suffering from osteoporotic fractures,” highlighting the critical nature of rapid and effective interventions in saving lives and improving care for those at risk.
Such initiatives are not just about mending bones; they represent a compassionate effort to preserve the dignity and health of the elderly, ensuring that they can live full, vibrant lives.
Dr. Yoel’s reflections echo a universal truth: the elderly deserve tailored and timely care that significantly decreases the chances of fractures and associated fatalities.
Ultimately, Soroka University’s innovative FLS sets a precedent in geriatric care, creating pathways to longevity and improved quality of life for the vulnerable older generation.
Soroka University Medical Center has launched a Fracture Liaison Service (FLS) aimed at reducing falls and improving outcomes for elderly patients with osteoporosis. Addressing various risks that contribute to such incidents, the FLS has recorded significant successes, including a 48% reduction in recurrent hip fractures. The service provides essential follow-up treatment, aiming to enhance the quality of life and prevent further health complications among older adults. With a focus on rapid intervention, the initiative exemplifies effective geriatric care.
The Soroka University Medical Center’s Fracture Liaison Service is a beacon of hope for the elderly, tackling the challenges of osteoporosis and fall-related injuries with targeted interventions that save lives and enhance wellbeing. With notable reductions in morbidity and mortality linked to hip fractures, the service showcases the importance of comprehensive care, embodying a commitment to the health and quality of life in older adults. As the healthcare landscape evolves, the proactive strategies implemented by Soroka could serve as a template for other institutions aiming to protect this precious demographic.
Original Source: www.jpost.com
