Fratura de fêmur em idosos: uma revisão integrativa

Abstract

Brazil goes through a process of population aging and increased longevity. When people aging, several physiological changes occur, mainly bone fragility, which increases the risk of fractures. Femur fracture is an important affect in the lives of the elderly, limiting the quality of life. OBJECTIVE: to identify scientific productions related to the main causes of femoral fracture in the elderly between 2007 and 2017. METHODOLOGY: This is an integrative literature review, with a qualitative approach. We found 508 articles, according to pre-established descriptors, where 10 (ten) articles were selected according to the approximation of the theme. RESULTS: Falling is the main cause of femoral fracture in the elderly, as well as women were most affected by their connection with the loss of hormones during menopause. Elderly patients with more associated comorbidities have a higher risk of falls. CONCLUSIONS: There is a need for awareness raising and education measures for elderly caregivers and long-term care institutions for the elderly, in order to reduce this impact as well as the organization and adaptation of the environment in which the elderly live.