Fracture healing in the elderly: A review. (October 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Foulke, Bradley A.; Kendal, Adrian R.; Murray, David W.; Pandit, Hemant
• Is Part Of: Maturitas. Volume 92(2016)
• Page Start: 49
• Page End: 55
• Publication Date: 2016-10
• Subjects: Fracture healing -- Delayed union -- Non-union -- Elderly; Climacteric -- Periodicals; Menopause -- Periodicals; Climacteric -- Periodicals; Geriatrics -- Periodicals; Menopause -- Periodicals; Middle Aged -- Periodicals; Climatère -- Périodiques; Ménopause -- Périodiques; Climacterium; Climacteric; Menopause; Electronic journals; Periodicals; 612.66
• DOI: 10.1016/j.maturitas.2016.07.014
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0378-5122

Abstract

Highlights: A number of factors can influence the incidence of delayed union or non-union after fracture. Increased age appears to be a risk factor for delayed union or non-union. The use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and smoking put the patient at greatest risk of these complications. Therapies such as ultrasound can minimize the risk of delayed union or non-union. Abstract: Older patients are commonly at a higher risk of experiencing a bone fracture. Complications during fracture healing, including delayed union and non-union, can arise as a result of a multitude of patient and treatment factors. This review describes those factors which contribute to a greater risk of delayed union and non-union with particular reference to the elderly population and discusses therapies that may enhance the fracture healing process in the hope of reducing the incidence of delayed union and non-union. Increasing age does seem to increase the risk of delayed union or non-union. In addition, smoking and the treatment of post-fracture pain with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) put the patient at the greatest risk, while ultrasound therapy appears to be a non-invasive, effective treatment option to reduce the risk of delayed union or non-union. The use of growth factors and of stem cells and the role of surgery are also discussed.