What Are Geriatric Fractures?

Older adults are uniquely at risk for falling — and for the broken bones that occur because of a fall. With age, numerous factors affect your balance and bone health. Poor balance and brittle bones (osteoporosis) are serious risk factors for fragility fractures.

Geriatric fractures can occur in any bone, but hip fractures are the most common result of falling. These traumatic injuries require immediate care and expertise.

How We Treat Geriatric Fractures

Our orthopedic trauma surgeons are specially trained to safely and effectively treat geriatric fractures. Older adults who arrive at our emergency department with a fracture are fast-tracked to the operating room. We understand that the faster you get in and out of surgery, the better you’ll heal and regain mobility.

Because older bones are often weaker and more brittle, surgery to repair them is more complex. A hip fracture often requires hip replacement surgery. For older patients, we use advanced techniques to safely work around weaker bones and strengthen the joint to improve stability.

During your hospital stay, you’ll be in our Acute Care for Elders (ACE) unit, a floor dedicated to geriatric care. Your care team will include not only the orthopedic trauma surgeon but also a geriatrician, physical therapist and social worker. Together, they’ll ensure you receive the care and tools you need to recover quickly and fully.

Fracture Prevention Program

People over the age of 50 who have already had a fracture are more likely to experience another one. At Memorial Orthopedic Services, we’re committed to helping all our fragility fracture patients prevent future fractures. That’s why we participate in the American Orthopaedic Association’s “Own the Bone” program. The program aims to improve each person’s bone health after a fracture by diagnosing and treating osteoporosis.

After surgery, you have blood tests and a bone density scan to check for osteoporosis. Our team provides counseling to help you understand your fracture risk and the steps you can take to prevent future fractures. Then, you receive follow-up care from your primary care provider or a rheumatologist. We also offer in-home fall prevention and home safety programs to minimize the risk of falling and breaking a bone. 

Memorial Regional Hospital is the only healthcare facility in South Florida recognized as an Own the Bone Star Performer. We are proud to have held this distinction for eight years in a row (2018-2025).