Common Types of Broken Femur Risk Factors
A femur fracture is a devastating injury. Certain risk factors can increase the risk of this type of fracture. A risk factor increases the likelihood that a specific disease or injury could occur. Some of the common types of risk factors include:
- A person’s medical or family history
- Consuming certain foods or beverages
- Certain types of activities
Different diseases and injuries have various risk factors; however, it is essential to note that these factors do not cause the disease or injury. They just make it more likely to happen. When it comes to the risks of a broken femur, it is essential for people to be aware of their risk factors. This could help them prevent this severe injury from taking place.
Osteoporosis is a Major Risk Factor
Perhaps the most critical risk factor related to a femur fracture is osteoporosis. Bones, such as the femur, are made up of a strong network of calcium. During the first few decades of life, calcium is deposited into the bones to increase their density. The denser the bony tissue, the harder it is to fracture.
As people age, the density of their bones decreases, making them easier to fracture. Osteoporosis is the name used to describe a loss of bone density. Using imaging scans, doctors can measure the density of the femur and can diagnose osteoporosis when present. Every year, millions of people are told that they have osteoporosis, and millions more are already living with it. Someone who has osteoporosis is at a high risk of suffering a broken femur.
A Lack of Physical Activity Can Lead to a Broken Femur
Even though many people suffer bone fractures while participating in sports, a lack of physical activity will actually increase the risk of a broken femur. Certain types of physical activity will increase the strength of the femur. Some important points to remember include:
- Exercises that are weight-bearing and place a physical load on the bone will cause new bone tissue to form.
- This type of physical activity will also make the muscles around the bone stronger.
- Adding more bone and muscle tissue will increase the strength of the femur.
In contrast, if people lead a sedentary lifestyle and aren’t physically active, their femur will weaken. In order for someone to keep their femur strong, they need to use the bone regular. This means exercising regularly.
Cigarette Smoking is an Important Risk Factor
Cigarette smoking, while often associated with lung cancer, is also a major risk factor for numerous types of bone fractures. When people smoke cigarettes, one of the body’s responses to the chemicals in the cigarettes is to shrink its blood vessels. When the blood vessels shrink, certain body tissues are deprived of vital oxygen and nutrients. This includes the femur.
When the blood vessels supplying the femur shrink, the bony tissue loses access to its building blocks, such as calcium. Without the nutrients that flow through the blood, the body is not able to build new bone. This contributes to a drop in the bone’s density, increasing the risks of a fracture taking place.
An Increased Risk of Falls
Another major factor is an increased risk of falls. It should come as no surprise that those who fall more often have a higher chance of suffering a broken femur. Some of the common issues include:
- Vision problems, such as cataracts, can make it hard for someone to see and increase the risk of them suffering a severe fall.
- Certain ages are also more prone to suffering a fall, such as the elderly.
- Individuals who are living with long-standing joint disease fall more often.
- People who have mental health disorders, such as dementia, are at an increased risk of falls.
- Those who have poor balance, such as toddlers and the elderly, are also at an increased risk of suffering a fall.
- Environmental hazards can also lead to increased falls, such as wet floors, stairs, and a lack of railings.
It is essential for everyone to be aware of their risk factors and their surroundings. Anyone who has suffered a broken femur should meet with an experienced legal professional to review their case.
Watch YouTube Video: Femur Fracture and Types of Femur Bone Fracture. This video will give a brief overview of a femur fracture.
Sacramento Femur Fracture Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a Sacramento Femur Fracture Lawyer. There are several risk factors which could increase the chances of someone suffering a broken femur. If you or someone you care for has sustained a broken femur in a serious accident, contact me at (800) 404-5400 or (916) 921-6400 for free, friendly legal guidance and advice.
I’m a member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum & in the Top One Percent, which is a National Association of Distinguished Counsel.
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