To prevent falls in winter… Beware of 'black ice', which is difficult to see.

"Black ice," often called the winter killer, is a thin layer of ice that forms on the road surface. Its appearance, similar to asphalt, makes it difficult to see, making it a major cause of falls. For the elderly, falls that lead to hip fractures significantly increase the risk of death.

 

◇If left untreated, hip fractures can have a mortality rate of up to 70%.

 

Winter brings with it the risk of falls due to the icy roads that often form. Muscles and joints stiffen in the cold weather, and wearing thick coats and other winter gear hinders the body's ability to react quickly on slippery roads. For those with osteoporosis or the elderly, falls can lead to fractures, with hip fractures being a particular concern.

The hip joint is the bone located where the pelvis and leg meet. It provides the leg with the ability to move, supports body weight, and maintains balance between the upper and lower body. A hip fracture can result in severe pain and prolonged bed rest due to the joint's inability to bear weight. This can lead to secondary complications such as pneumonia, bedsores, and worsening heart disease. The most serious problem arises when a hip fracture is left untreated.

 

According to the National Health Insurance Service, if left untreated, hip fractures are fatal, with a mortality rate of 25% within one year and 70% within two years. "Cancer, which people fear most, can be cured if diagnosed early, and patients can lead normal lives with consistent treatment," said Jae-ha Yoo, director of the Joint Center at Gangnam Nanuri Hospital. "However, hip fractures have a high mortality rate, and up to 60% of patients are unable to walk normally after a fracture." He also explained that women tend to have a lower ability to recover mobility after menopause due to a higher prevalence of osteoporosis and decreased muscle mass.

 

◇"Consider surgery first for rapid treatment."

 

Compared to other conditions, hip fractures require surgical treatment as a priority to prevent complications. Hip surgery is broadly categorized into two types, depending on the fracture site. If the area connecting the greater and lesser trochanters below the head of the bone is fractured, internal fixation is performed, using metal nails to fix the bone. This method uses metal objects to fuse the broken bone. While this procedure preserves the damaged hip joint, it carries a risk of metal plate breakage, so excessive exercise should be avoided until the bone heals.

 

If the head of the hip is fractured, blood flow to the head is disrupted, requiring a hip replacement instead of simply reattaching it. Hip replacement involves inserting an artificial joint to replace the damaged hip joint. In elderly patients, hip replacement may be performed because the bone may not heal properly, regardless of the location of the injury.

 

Dr. Yoo Jae-ha stated, "Artificial hip replacement surgery allows patients to resume exercise and weight-bearing early after surgery, resulting in a high recovery rate." He added, "Unlike in the past, advances in surgical approaches have reduced surrounding muscle damage and bleeding." He continued, "Artificial joint materials have also diversified, with advancements in technology, including ceramics and metals, and their durability has also been significantly enhanced."

 

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Hip fractures are the most dangerous.

 

I think it rained this morning.

The black ice was really slippery this morning.

 

There are still shady places in the morning

The car is slippery too

 

People who are as old as my parents

You have to be especially careful of black ice.