Hip fractures are very common in elderly patients and is usually caused due to accidental falls. Patients usually hesitate to get a surgery done and do not consider it until their condition is worsened. But that’s not the right way to go about it as it not only elongates the healing process but can lead to situations where even surgeries can’t rectify the case. Here are a few benefits of early surgery in elderly hip fractures:
Less or no loss of bone surface
If a hip fracture that requires surgery is left untreated then there are chances of erosion of the bone surface due to movement and instability. It further leads to differences in leg length and a limping gait. If an early surgery is performed, then there are less chances of bone loss and a better prognosis can be expected.
Limited loss of blood
Pelvic fractures are infamous for the high amount of blood loss as a considerable amount of bone marrow is present in it. Internal bleeding is ignored many times that leads to hypovolemic shock and can prove to be fatal. Early treatment needs to be done to avoid excessive blood loss.
Better chances of union
Fractures don’t unite easily in old age and if fractures are left untreated it may unite in deformed position and cause further problems. Early surgery ensures faster healing and patient won’t have to stay in bed for long.
Reduced chances of avascular necrosis
Avascular necrosis is one of the major complications in femur head fracture. In this condition femoral head is deprived of blood supply which leads to the death of bone tissue. Bone becomes useless and needs to be replaced to control pain and allow movement. In early surgery, blood circulation remains intact and there are fewer chances of bone tissue death.
Lesser disability
Conservative treatment in hip fractures does more harm than good. In plaster casting or immobilization for fracture healing, the adjacent joint becomes stiff and is not easily treatable. Other than this, osteoporosis or bone density loss is also seen due to no weight bearing on the leg. Aggressive rehabilitation for years may be required to make the patient walk again. That is why surgical treatment is preferred to avoid these problems and patient is able to walk again within few months.