Why are hip fractures in the elderly so deadly?
In: Biology
Immobility leads to a higher chance of pulmonary embolus/blood clots which can be fatal. Reduced mobility leads to more likelihood of pneumonia as well. Overall loss of independence results in higher morbidity, more hospitalizations, higher likelihood of falling and subsequent injury and illness. Not fixing a hip fracture results in an extremely high likelihood of death within a year as you result in a bed bound patient who spirals downward in health.
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