Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 11, 2026

Method and Instrumented Fixture for Femoral Fracture Testing in a Sideways Fall-on-the-Hip Position
Published on: August 17, 2017
[Fall risk and fracture. The incidence and mechanisms of fractures from falls]
1Department of Advanced Medicine, National Center for Geriatrics & Gerontology, Japan.
Abstract:
About 10 - 20% of the elderly is falling every year, and 10 percent of them is suffered from fracture. Whether or not the fractures occur from the fall is determined by the bone strength and the load on the bone. The proximal femurs of the elderly fracture due to the load of 2,100 - 4,000N, although the load on the greater trochanter from falls is 5,600 - 8,600N. Thus, the external force from falls is never negligible. Fracture risk varies greatly depending on the conditions such as the muscle tension and the load direction.
Related Concept Videos
Fractures: Bone Repair
Minor fractures with no bone displacement are treated by immobilizing the fractured bone using a cast or splint. However, in the case of fractures with displaced bones, the broken bones are repositioned before immobilization to ensure successful healing without deformation and loss of function. The realignment of fractured bone ends is performed through a process called reduction. If the procedure...
Bone Disorders
Bone deposition is also affected by the levels of sex hormones like estrogen and testosterone that promote osteoblast activity and bone matrix synthesis. When the level of these hormones decreases due to aging, it causes a reduction in bone deposition. As a result, bone resorption by osteoclasts...
Flail Chest-I
Flail chest is a severe and potentially life-threatening condition characterized by the fracture of three or more adjacent ribs in multiple places. It is most commonly caused by direct impacts and trauma, such as motor vehicle accidents or injuries from a steering wheel impact. It can also occur due to falls in elderly individuals with osteoporosis, or assaults involving sharp objects.
Pathophysiology
The pathophysiology of flail chest is complex, involving fractures of...
Spinal Cord Injury ll: Pathophysiology
Essential Minerals for Bone Health
Calcium and Phosphorus
Calcium is a critical component of bones, especially in the form of calcium phosphate and calcium carbonate. Since the body cannot make calcium, it must be obtained from the diet. However, calcium cannot be absorbed from the small intestine without...
