If you’ve ever broken a bone you know how scary, painful and disruptive the whole episode is. Our bones become more fragile as we age, and breaking a bone is an indicator that you’re more likely to break another. For example, breaking a hip increases your risk of another break by 2.5 times (1).
Before a nasty fall or accident has you cooped up, prepare yourself. Below are five recommendations from a report on best practices for treating broken bones and preventing future fractures in people over the age of 50 (2). These tips can help you reduce your risk of breaking a bone, and give you the “inside scoop” on how to ensure the best possible recovery if it does happen.
1. Don’t “wait and see” – get medical help!
You’ve heard the saying: If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. However when it comes to major bumps and bruises, it’s actually good advice to get medical attention as soon as possible! Maybe you dread the hassle of an emergency room visit for a twisted ankle or bruised wrist, but you’re best to play it safe. If it is a broken bone or “fragility fracture” (particularly common in people over the age of 50 who are at greater risk of osteoporosis), getting surgery or other treatment within 48 hours leads to the best results and shorter recovery (2).
2. Find the right treatment for you
There’s usually more than one way to do anything, and that includes treating broken bones. So while surgery is often performed, in some cases it’s not the recommended course of action. For example, studies have found that older adults who suffer upper arm breaks at the shoulder (the humerus) may be treated just as effectively with non-surgical procedures (3).
Ask for patient education materials to find out your options and work with your health care providers to determine the best one for your individual circumstances. Online tools, such as Patient Decision Aids, are a great starting point for learning the pros and cons of different treatments. Check out these Decision Aids on the McMaster Optimal Aging Portal:
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Managing pain from a broken hip: A guide for adults and their caregivers
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Reducing the Risk of Bone Fracture: A Review of the Research for Adults With Low Bone Density
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Preventing blood clots after hip or knee replacement surgery or surgery for a broken hip: A review of the research for adults
3. Do your rehabilitation and prevention exercises
You suffered a fall and broke a bone or two. But you’ve had treatment and rested for the recommended amount of time so that’s the end of it, right? Nope. Actually, now the real work begins. Seek a personalized assessment by a doctor or specialist and then work with your care providers to develop an action plan that will both speed recovery and help prevent future falls (4). Depending on your situation and needs, it may include physical therapy, and exercise—such as balance exercises and/or strength training—among other activities (4-6).
4. Some lifestyle changes and medications can help build healthier bones
No one likes to admit they’re getting older and can’t do the same things they did in their 20s and 30s. The good news is we can remain active and enjoy a full life as we age. A few lifestyle changes—such as quitting smoking and reducing alcohol consumption—can promote overall health while helping to strengthen bones and prevent breaks (2).
Bisphosphonates are a class of drug that help maintain bone mass and are used to treat osteoporosis among other conditions. There is evidence they reduce the risk of fractures, with different types appearing to be more effective for women and men and for specific kinds of fractures. In women with osteoporosis, denosumab, teriparatide, and some bisphosphonates reduce spinal and non-spinal fractures (7). Check out these Decision Aids around medication on the McMaster Optimal Aging Portal:
5. Know your risk, plan ahead
The information and suggestions above are a good starting point for everyone. What else can you do? One of the best ways to protect yourself is to be proactive (2). Make an appointment with a health care professional who specializes in osteoporosis and who can assess your risk based on your age, health, mobility, previous falls and/or fractures, medications and other factors (8;9).
