Contemporary Orthogeriatric Care for Fragility Fractures: Advancing Functional Recovery and Multidisciplinary Management in Older Adults
TL;DR
Modern orthogeriatric care, based on multidisciplinary collaboration, timely surgical management, individualized rehabilitation, nutritional optimization, osteoporosis treatment, and secondary fracture prevention, consistently improves mobility, functional independence, postoperative outcomes, and long-term quality of life.
Abstract
Fragility fractures have become one of the most significant health challenges associated with global population aging, generating substantial consequences for functional independence, healthcare systems, and quality of life. This review aimed to analyze the current scientific evidence regarding the epidemiology, pathophysiology, risk factors, modern orthogeriatric management, and functional recovery of older adults sustaining fragility fractures. A structured literature review was conducted using international scientific databases and evidence-based clinical guidelines published by recognized organizations. The available evidence demonstrates that fragility fractures are multifactorial conditions resulting from the interaction of osteoporosis, sarcopenia, frailty syndrome, multimorbidity, nutritional deficits, and age-related physiological decline. Contemporary orthogeriatric care, based on multidisciplinary collaboration, Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment, timely surgical management, individualized rehabilitation, nutritional optimization, osteoporosis treatment, and secondary fracture prevention, consistently improves mobility, functional independence, postoperative outcomes, and long-term quality of life. Early rehabilitation and coordinated follow-up through structured fracture prevention programs were also associated with lower complication rates and reduced risk of recurrent fractures. Furthermore, the findings emphasize the growing importance of integrating orthopedic surgery, geriatrics, rehabilitation medicine, nutrition, and preventive care into patient-centered management strategies. As demographic aging continues to accelerate worldwide, particularly in Latin America, strengthening orthogeriatric services and implementing evidence-based multidisciplinary models represent essential strategies for preserving autonomy, reducing disability, and improving long-term clinical outcomes among older adults with fragility fractures.