Geriatric Orthopedics

Common conditions that affect elders

Numerous health issues, many of which impact the musculoskeletal system, are common among the elderly. Typical ailments affecting senior citizens include:

• Osteoarthritis: It is a degenerative joint disease that typically affects the hands, hips, and knees. 
• Fractures: Fall-related fractures of the hip, wrist, and spine can cause severe mobility issues because ageing bones are more prone to fractures.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis: An autoimmune disease that can result in joint abnormalities and impaired function by generating persistent inflammation of the joints.
• Back Pain: Herniated discs, spinal stenosis, and degenerative disc disease can all cause back pain.
• Joint Replacements: To reduce discomfort and increase mobility, elderly people may have joint replacement procedures, such as hip or knee replacements.
• Neuropathy: Often affecting older persons, peripheral neuropathy can cause numbness, tingling, and pain in the extremities, which can affect balance and movement.
• Falls and Problems with Balance: Falls can cause fractures and other injuries, so it's important to manage side effects from medications, reduced muscle strength, and visual abnormalities.
• Sarcopenia: Loss of muscular mass and strength associated with ageing, which increases the risk of falls and reduces mobility.
• Gait Disorders: Illnesses that impair gait, including Parkinson's disease or stroke, can seriously hinder an elderly person's capacity for safe mobility.
• Chronic Discomfort: Prolonged discomfort can have an impact on older individuals' overall quality of life when combined with arthritis or other chronic diseases.
• Cognitive Decline: Illnesses such as dementia and Alzheimer's disease can make it more difficult for a person to take care of their own musculoskeletal health, which raises the possibility of fractures and falls.

When should you consult our experts?

The following are typical symptoms for a range of illnesses that commonly affect the elderly:

Osteoarthritis

• Swelling, stiffness, and discomfort in the joints.
• Reduced mobility in the afflicted joints.
• Crepitus is a grating feeling experienced when moving a joint.

Breaks

• Acute discomfort and oedema where the injury occurred.
• Incapacity to use or bear weight on the injured limb.
• Visible bone malformation or misalignment.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

• Pain and swelling in the joints.
• Stiffness in the morning lasting more than half an hour.
• Restricted range of motion and joint abnormalities.

Back Pain

• Severe or intermittent pain in the neck or lower back.
• Radiating numbness or pain in the arms or legs (sciatica).
• Having trouble sitting or standing for extended lengths of time.

Joint Replacements

• Excruciating joint pain and decreased function.
• Failure of conservative treatment methods (medication, physical therapy)
• Degenerative arthritis that affects day-to-day life.

How do we diagnose you?

Diagnostic Tests for Geriatric Orthopedic Conditions:

• X-rays
• Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DXA or DEXA) Scan
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
• Computed Tomography (CT) Scan
• Bone Density Test
• Electromyography (EMG) and Nerve Conduction Studies (NCS)
• Arthroscopy
• Blood Tests
• DEXA Scan
• Ultrasound
• Gait Analysis
• Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) or Cognitive Testing
• Fall Risk Assessment
• Physical Examination

Treatment

• Conservative Management: Interventions include joint supplements, painkillers, physical therapy, lifestyle changes, and assistive technology.
• Medication: Medications include analgesics, DMARDs (disease-modifying antirheumatic medications), osteoporosis treatments, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
• Physical therapy: Stretching, balancing exercises, and individualized exercise regimens are the treatments.
• Orthopedic Interventions: Treatments include joint resurfacing, arthroplasty, and replacement operations (such as hip or knee replacements).
• Fracture Management: Surgical surgery, casting, or immobilization are the available treatments for complicated fractures.
• Osteoporosis: Treatments for osteoporosis include vitamin D and calcium supplements, medications to increase bone density, and lifestyle changes.
• Fall Prevention Programs: Vision tests, strength training, balancing exercises, and home safety evaluations are among the treatments.
• Bracing and Assistive Technology: Mobility-supporting braces, canes, walkers, and other devices are treatments.
• Gait and Balance Training: Physical therapy to increase stability, balance exercises, and gait analysis are the treatments.
• Pain management: Interventions such as nerve blocks for focused pain relief, pharmaceuticals, physical therapy, heat or cold therapy, and so on.
• Programs for Geriatric Rehabilitation: Personalized rehabilitation plans that focus on improving strength, mobility, and general functional independence.