Most periprosthetic femoral fractures follow a low-energy fall. For older patients, the arthroplasty pathway is a chance to reduce that risk.
Ask about falls, check for osteoporosis risk factors and treat where indicated, review sedating and hypotensive medicines, and involve physiotherapy for balance and strength. Where a fracture liaison or falls service exists, refer those at high risk.
- Ask every older arthroplasty patient about recent falls.
- Assess and treat osteoporosis where indicated.
- Review sedatives and antihypertensives that raise fall risk.
- Include balance and strength work in rehabilitation.
Why it matters
A fall onto a replaced hip can undo much of the operation's benefit.
Read the rest in the app
You have read your two free briefings this month. The app carries all 27 specialties, every morning, free — and this finding is waiting in it.
Scan to keep reading on your phone. No account needed to start.
Tomorrow morning, before your first patient
One edition a day for orthopaedics, written by the desk, every claim tied to its paper. Six minutes.
Get the app — free