Hip Health and Ageing: Important Facts about Osteoporosis and Fractures

As we age, bone loss can make the hips vulnerable to fractures, a common and serious consequence of osteoporosis. Understanding risk factors, preventive measures, and lifestyle strategies can help protect our hips, maintain mobility, and reduce the chance of injury, thus keeping us active and independent.

WORDS ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR (C) DR G RUSLAN NAZARUDDIN SIMANJUNTAK

FEATURED EXPERT ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR (C) DR G RUSLAN NAZARUDDIN SIMANJUNTAK Consultant Orthopaedic, Joint and Trauma Surgeon ALTY Orthopaedic Hospital

Osteoporosis is a disease that weakens your bones, making them more prone to fractures.

• Often, there are no symptoms. Many people only learn that they have osteoporosis after they experience a fracture and see a doctor.
• Because fractures are potentially life-threatening when they occur to older persons, it is good to take steps to prevent this disease from quietly ‘sneaking up’ on you.

YOU CAN GET SCREENED TO FIND OUT HOW HEALTHY YOUR BONES ARE

• If you are 65 or older, you should consult your doctor on getting screened for osteoporosis.
• Tests such as bone mineral density (BMD) test will provide useful information about your bone health.

WHEN SHOULD YOU SEE A DOCTOR AFTER A FALL?

• When you experience serious pain that don’t improve after taking over-the-counter painkillers
• When you are unable to move after your fall

After you are admitted, you will be given an imaging test—typically X-ray and, if necessary, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)—to determine the location and extent of the fracture.

HIP FRACTURES CAN BE COMMON AMONG OLDER PERSONS

Hip fractures usually occur on the long bone of the thigh, called the femur.

A surgery, called hip replacement, helps to address this problem.

• A total hip replacement replaces the socket (acetabulum) and the head of the femur.
• A partial hip replacement replaces only the femoral head. This is usually an option for older persons with more limited mobility.

The surgery takes place within a few hours, and you’ll stay in the hospital for around 3 more days.

During this period, a physiotherapist will guide you on the exercises that you can do to restore the range of motion of as well as to strengthen your hip.

WORK WITH YOUR HEALTHCARE TEAM TO REMAIN INDEPENDENT & MOBILE

For example, you may use a walker or wheelchair to remain mobile, and you may need to master new techniques (such as for using the toilet, bathing, dressing, etc) that take into account your condition.