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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What To Do For Pelvis And Shoulder Fracture At Old Age?

my 80 year old mother fell and fractured her r pelvis and r shoulder 2 days ago. she is in the hospital now and the ortho dr said surgery is not a good idea with her other health issues (lupus, scleroderma, past blood clots, minor pulmonary hypertension). they have put her shoulder in a sling but have made no effort to address the pelvis aside from pain meds. Most likley due to the holiday weekend. My question is what she might expect in the realm of recovery. she presently lives alone but could have family or home health care. my concern is mobility due to the shoulder fracture making it difficult to use a walker. thanks so much for you time.
Fri, 30 May 2014
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Orthopaedic Surgeon 's  Response
Hi,
Shoulder fracture in this age group is definitely not an indication for surgery and taking into consideration her other health problems which further worsens the situation, it is not at all an option.
TREATMENT: SLING OR ARM POUCH (even shoulder immobilizer is a very good option )

pelvic fracture can also be treated conservative with rest.( pls take care to prevent bed sores by change of position periodically or with air bed ).

She needs to be taken care of by an attender or nurse during the treatment as she wil be in complete bed rest (due to pelvic fracture)

Pls do supplement her with calcium tablets and other supplements to quicken the healing process which may be about 2 months easily.
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What To Do For Pelvis And Shoulder Fracture At Old Age?

Hi, Shoulder fracture in this age group is definitely not an indication for surgery and taking into consideration her other health problems which further worsens the situation, it is not at all an option. TREATMENT: SLING OR ARM POUCH (even shoulder immobilizer is a very good option ) pelvic fracture can also be treated conservative with rest.( pls take care to prevent bed sores by change of position periodically or with air bed ). She needs to be taken care of by an attender or nurse during the treatment as she wil be in complete bed rest (due to pelvic fracture) Pls do supplement her with calcium tablets and other supplements to quicken the healing process which may be about 2 months easily.