New: Interview with internationally recognized orthopedic trauma surgeon Dr. Michael Suk
Read the Interview
Patient & Family Education
Mobility First
Because healing a bone is only part of healing a person.
The Scale of the Problem
Millions
of older adults suffer fractures every year — and their families are often overwhelmed.
The question families often forget to ask
"Will my loved one still be able to walk?"
The focus quickly becomes: will the bone heal?
Every year, millions of older adults suffer fractures. Families are overwhelmed. The medical system moves fast. And in the rush, a critical question often goes unasked.
Many elderly patients are told they need six or more weeks of limited weight bearing or bed rest. While conservative treatment is appropriate for many people, some fractures may also have surgical options that allow patients to stand, walk, and regain independence sooner.
Our mission is simple: help families become informed so they can have meaningful conversations with their orthopedic surgeons about every available treatment option.
Prolonged immobility in older adults can lead to
Rapid muscle loss
Pneumonia
Blood clots
Pressure injuries
Delirium
Loss of independence
Nursing home placement
Increased mortality
These complications sometimes become more dangerous than the fracture itself.
Understanding Your Options
Every fracture is different.
Treatment depends on fracture location, stability, overall health, medical conditions, ability to tolerate anesthesia, and goals of care. Two broad approaches exist.
Option One
Non-Surgical Treatment
For many fractures, non-surgical care is an excellent option. It may include casting, bracing, limited weight bearing, rehabilitation, and pain management.
Casting & bracing
Limited weight bearing
Rehabilitation
Pain management
Option Two
Surgical Treatment
Surgery is not appropriate for everyone, but it may be worth discussing. The goal is often to stabilize the fracture enough to allow earlier movement and rehabilitation.
Plates, screws & rods
Minimally invasive fixation
Joint replacement
Earlier rehabilitation
The Science of Immobility
The human body changes quickly during prolonged bed rest.
Rapid muscle loss
Reduced cardiovascular fitness
Increased infection risk
Delirium
Blood clots
Decreased independence
"The objective is not simply healing the fracture. It is preserving the whole person."
A shift in modern orthopedic thinking
Before the next appointment
Questions every family should ask.
Print this. Bring it to the hospital. Ask every one.
Is surgery an option?
If not, why not?
How long will they be unable to walk?
What complications should we watch for?
How soon can physical therapy begin?
Should we obtain a second orthopedic opinion?
Would a geriatric orthopedic specialist be appropriate?
Mobility First News
Featured coverage & interviews.
An Interview with Dr. Michael Suk
Internationally recognized orthopedic trauma surgeon
Dr. Suk discusses why mobility must be the primary goal of fracture care in elderly patients — and what families should be asking their surgeons before accepting a treatment plan.
One more question
Before accepting prolonged immobilization…
"Is there a surgical option that could safely help my loved one regain mobility sooner?"
Sometimes the answer is no. Sometimes the answer is yes. Knowing to ask may make all the difference.
