Walking helps prevent hip fractures

By Song Sang-ho

Many health experts say walking is one of the best forms of exercise, not just because it does not require much time, money or equipment, but because it strengthens the muscles by stimulating all parts of the body.

A recent study by the Harvard Medical School, which collected the habits of 36,000 men over age 24, showed that jogging helps reduce the risk of hip fractures in men, especially for those over 50.

In the study, researchers said the greater the frequency and intensity of walks, the lower the risk of hip fracture. With less-intensive walks, though, hip fractures can be prevented, it added.

Men who walk at least four hours a week significantly improved their chances of avoiding hip fractures by 43 percent, compared to those who walk less than one hour a week.

For those over 50, hip fractures can occur with a simple stumble and the cure is not easy _ oftentimes followed by many complications. Thus, preventing a hip fracture must be sought over treating it, at all costs. As walking is an easier exercise than most others, the study is a good news for those men over 50.

In terms of treating hip fractures, surgery is the only treatment option available. However, surgery is oftentimes risky and complications follow. Therefore, having the surgery within 24 to 48 hours after the fracture is critical. This minimizes potential postoperative mortality or complications, and improves functional recovery.

There are mainly two types of hip fractures; intertrochanteric fractures and femur neck fractures. The intertrochanteric fracture can be treated with a trochanteric fixation procedure. However, the femur neck fracture requires hip joint replacement surgery to prevent possible non-union or avascular necrosis.

Among artificial joint surgery techniques, the minimally invasive hip arthroplasty is popular these days, as it reduces the incision size and preserves muscles and ligaments.

It benefits patients because it shortens operation time to one hour, allows the patient initial ambulation four hours post-operation and enables independent walking five days after operation.

Hip fractures are very painful ― sometimes they keep patients from doing their daily routines. Patients who underwent artificial joint surgery said relief from the pain was the greatest benefit. Postoperative pain will be alleviated in a few weeks and patients can freely do many physical activities, such as sitting on the floor with legs crossed.

Hip fractures can occur regardless of time or place, and can be caused by a fall or a sudden accident. Since older people are more prone to hip fractures, they are advised to be cautious in trivial matters of daily life, such as using non-slippery materials for flooring.

But more importantly, regular exercise and calcium consumption are critical.

The spring has come and it is nice to walk outside. Please make the best of the seasonal blessings for both your soul and body.

The writer is the president of Wellton Bone & Joint Hospital.