Page 13 - Seniors Today June2020

Complications can arise in the elderly knocks to limbs or minor falls can lead to
following surgery for hip fracture, and these fractures. Therefore, any fractures resulting
are associated with an increased risk of from minor trauma should be investigated
death, so follow-up medical care is critical. to determine whether there is underlying
osteoporosis.
Wrist fractures
Wrist fractures can occur with a fall onto
an outstretched hand, and can result in
immobility, inconvenience and loss of
function, especially if the fracture occurs in
the dominant hand (ie your right hand if you
are right-handed).

Other fractures
If you have severe osteoporosis, minor
trauma such as sneezing, coughing, minor Wrist fractures can occur with a fall on an outstretched hand

How is osteoporosis diagnosed?
To assess your bone density and risk of developing osteoporosis, your doctor may ask you
questions linked to the causes of osteoporosis including:

FACTORS QUESTIONS YOUR DOCTOR MAY ASK

Alcohol How many alcoholic drinks do you have per day?
Do you have alcohol-free days each week?

Calcium What was the level of calcium-rich foods (such as milk,
yoghurt, broccoli, beans, almonds or salmon) you had as
child and teenager?
What is the current level of calcium-rich foods in your diet?
How many caffeinated drinks do you have each day?
How much salt do you have each day?

Corticosteroid Are you taking, or have you ever had to take, a course of:
therapy prednisolone
cortisone
hydrocortisone, dexamethasone?

How much exercise do you do in an average week?
Exercise
Is there anyone in your immediate family (mother, father,
Family history sibling) who has had osteoporosis or fractures, and at what
age were they diagnosed?

SENIORS TODAY | ISSUE #12 | JUNE 2020 13