Post created by Peyton and Colette
An article in the New York Times titled, “After a Broken Bone, the Risk of a Second Fracture” says that older adults who have already broken a bone are at high risk of breaking the bone again, but it can be preventable. The article states that more than 340,000 people 65 and older that break something for the first time are at risk at fracturing another bone. According to the article there are certain factors that contribute to weak bones. Having calcium and vitamin D in the blood level of a person can help with bone density and strength, and building up the muscles surrounding the bone are two major ways people can prevent fractures.
During class we learned about how bones are repaired. The first phase is called reduction which is realigning the bone from either the inside or outside. Next is the immobilization phase where one cannot put weight on or move the bone. During this time a hematoma forms that causes blood to clot due to a broken vessel, then the fibral cartilage callus forms between broken areas of bone and new blood vessels to form. After osteoblasts fill the areas of cartilage and bony callus forms. Finally, the cells get spread out evenly throughout the bone.
Getting in calcium and vitamin D is important for the bones because vitamin absorbs calcium for our body. Calcium plays a big role in making our bones strong therefore it will prevent further damage. Performing exercises will reinforce the supporting muscles and enhance balance and mobility. If more older adults who have already fractured a bone took these simple steps, they can avoid the whole process of bone repair within the body and avoid pain.
Source:
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/11/09/well/live/after-a-broken-bone-the-risk-of-a-second-fracture.html