Dr. Ahmed Al-Fifi, consultant orthopedic surgeon specializing in joint replacement and sports injuries, warned of the dangers of hip fractures in the elderly, stressing that they are not ordinary fractures but among the most serious and impactful injuries on the patient's life and family.

Dr. Al-Fifi explained on his X account that after returning from a vacation, he found that most of the cases he received were elderly individuals who had suffered hip fractures from falls, noting that a single fall can have severe health and humanitarian consequences.

Alarming Statistics

He revealed that statistics indicate that between 20% and 30% of patients die within the first year after a hip fracture, while more than 40% are unable to return to their previous level of activity. A large number of them require the use of a walker or cane, or complete dependence on others for daily living activities.

Prevention is Possible with Simple Steps

Dr. Al-Fifi emphasized that a large proportion of hip fractures can be prevented through osteoporosis treatment, muscle strengthening, balance exercises, removing fall hazards at home, and regular medical follow-ups, concluding his message with: 'Do not neglect the easy, so that you and your loved ones suffer the hard.'

Does an Artificial Joint Increase Weight?

The consultant addressed one of the most common questions in clinics: whether an artificial joint increases weight, causes allergies, or prevents MRI and CT scans.

He explained that the artificial joint does not increase body weight, as it weighs only 300 to 700 grams, and is made from titanium or cobalt-chromium alloys, along with high-strength medical polyethylene, and sometimes ceramic. He added that allergies to these materials are very rare due to their biocompatibility with the human body, and confirmed that MRI and CT scans remain safe after joint replacement.

Knee Arthritis Injections: When Do They Lose Effectiveness?

Regarding the treatment of severe knee osteoarthritis, Dr. Al-Fifi clarified that a cortisone injection may temporarily relieve pain and inflammation, but it does not treat the osteoarthritis itself, and it is not recommended to be repeated frequently. He noted that viscosupplementation (hyaluronic acid) injections have limited benefit in advanced osteoarthritis, urging patients not to spend their money on treatments that do not achieve the desired benefit at this stage.

He affirmed that PRP (platelet-rich plasma) injections are not recommended for severe osteoarthritis due to the lack of scientific evidence of their benefit for this group of patients, noting that total knee replacement surgery remains the most effective treatment when pain becomes persistent and walking ability declines.