The results show that the interaction between the surgeon, the patient and the patient’s family is key because satisfaction of the patients demands a much more personal approach than the singular interest of fixing a broken bone, Chung said.
“We know that chronological age doesn’t determine a patient’s physiological age,” he said. “When someone is 70 years old, they may be physiologically 40-50. Those patients have a need to get back to physical activities and independent living, so we should treat them more aggressively.”
Recruitment for a trial lasting 10 years proved difficult for the research team. The older people participating in this historic study, some struggling with transportation, wanted to help others, Chung said.
“It is difficult to participate in this trial because of the time and effort invested by the patients,” he said. “These are special people. They contributed their lives for the science of helping other older patients who will suffer from this fracture. Their commitment is inspirational to us, which kept our research team going, despite overwhelming challenges. We are grateful to our study participants, the National Institutes of Health and the support of the American people.”
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