The role of assistive devices in frail elderly people with fragility fractures: a narrative review

Abstract

Fragility fractures commonly lead to disability. To improve and/or maintain physical function and independence in patients with bone fragility, several aids and orthoses are often prescribed in clinical practice for different purposes. Walking aids such as crutches, canes, walkers and wheelchairs are designed to assist walking and prevent falls in people with gait and balance impairments, or who are unable to walk alone. To facilitate transfers in patients with balance and coordination disorders, muscle weakness and impaired respiratory function, mobility devices such as toilet, shower and bed aids may be useful. Hip protectors are designed to decrease the impact forces generated by a fall on the greater trochanter. Wearing these devices at the time of a fall can decrease the risk of hip fracture. Spinal orthoses support a specific vertebral region, and they are worn, in the case of fractures, with the aim of providing stability, relieving pain and improving mobility. However, to maximise the beneficial effects and reduce the risk of adverse events, physicians need to promote correct use of assistive devices, as their incorrect use may increase the risk of both falls and of fall-related injuries.

Challenges of Treating a C2 Odontoid Fracture in an Elderly Patient With Multiple Comorbidities: A Case Report

“…Early cervical mobilization following fracture is important for overall function and fitness and may be better facilitated by operative management [ 2 , 6 ]. In addition, gait aids such as a cane or walker are key tools to improve global mobility, especially if the patient suffered a concomitant injury after a fall [ 15 ].…”

Challenges of Treating a C2 Odontoid Fracture in an Elderly Patient With Multiple Comorbidities: A Case Report

“…Early cervical mobilization following fracture is important for overall function and fitness and may be better facilitated by operative management [ 2 , 6 ]. In addition, gait aids such as a cane or walker are key tools to improve global mobility, especially if the patient suffered a concomitant injury after a fall [ 15 ].…”

Based on ACF-CFRP composite energy absorbing material protection clothing designing for the elderly with degenerative imbalance

“…13,14 However, the elderly are reluctant to wear hip protectors due to the inconvenience of donning and doffing and being easily damaged. 15,16 Therefore, promoting the lightness and convenience of the hip protector and enhancing its protection performance could increase the willingness to wear it among the elderly and ensure its protection capabilities to them. Some scholars have provided valuable views about different fall impact force protection materials.…”

Factors Influencing the Use of Walking Aids by Frail Elderly People in Senior Day Care Centers

“…Walking aids can help individuals maintain or regain social activity and improve their confidence and sense of security [ 13 ]. On the other hand, it has been reported that the use of walking aids was associated with a 2.6-fold (confidence interval—1.2–4.6) increased risk of falling [ 14 ], which could be due to the inappropriate use of walking aids [ 15 , 16 ]. Furthermore, since walking aids reduce the load on the lower limbs [ 17 ], their use from an early stage may lead to a decline in lower limb function.…”

Challenges of Treating a C2 Odontoid Fracture in an Elderly Patient With Multiple Comorbidities: A Case Report

“…Early cervical mobilization following fracture is important for overall function and fitness and may be better facilitated by operative management [ 2 , 6 ]. In addition, gait aids such as a cane or walker are key tools to improve global mobility, especially if the patient suffered a concomitant injury after a fall [ 15 ].…”

Based on ACF-CFRP composite energy absorbing material protection clothing designing for the elderly with degenerative imbalance

“…13,14 However, the elderly are reluctant to wear hip protectors due to the inconvenience of donning and doffing and being easily damaged. 15,16 Therefore, promoting the lightness and convenience of the hip protector and enhancing its protection performance could increase the willingness to wear it among the elderly and ensure its protection capabilities to them. Some scholars have provided valuable views about different fall impact force protection materials.…”

Factors Influencing the Use of Walking Aids by Frail Elderly People in Senior Day Care Centers

“…Walking aids can help individuals maintain or regain social activity and improve their confidence and sense of security [ 13 ]. On the other hand, it has been reported that the use of walking aids was associated with a 2.6-fold (confidence interval—1.2–4.6) increased risk of falling [ 14 ], which could be due to the inappropriate use of walking aids [ 15 , 16 ]. Furthermore, since walking aids reduce the load on the lower limbs [ 17 ], their use from an early stage may lead to a decline in lower limb function.…”

Challenges of Treating a C2 Odontoid Fracture in an Elderly Patient With Multiple Comorbidities: A Case Report

“…Early cervical mobilization following fracture is important for overall function and fitness and may be better facilitated by operative management [ 2 , 6 ]. In addition, gait aids such as a cane or walker are key tools to improve global mobility, especially if the patient suffered a concomitant injury after a fall [ 15 ].…”

Based on ACF-CFRP composite energy absorbing material protection clothing designing for the elderly with degenerative imbalance

“…13,14 However, the elderly are reluctant to wear hip protectors due to the inconvenience of donning and doffing and being easily damaged. 15,16 Therefore, promoting the lightness and convenience of the hip protector and enhancing its protection performance could increase the willingness to wear it among the elderly and ensure its protection capabilities to them. Some scholars have provided valuable views about different fall impact force protection materials.…”

Factors Influencing the Use of Walking Aids by Frail Elderly People in Senior Day Care Centers

“…Walking aids can help individuals maintain or regain social activity and improve their confidence and sense of security [ 13 ]. On the other hand, it has been reported that the use of walking aids was associated with a 2.6-fold (confidence interval—1.2–4.6) increased risk of falling [ 14 ], which could be due to the inappropriate use of walking aids [ 15 , 16 ]. Furthermore, since walking aids reduce the load on the lower limbs [ 17 ], their use from an early stage may lead to a decline in lower limb function.…”