Hip Fractures, Joint Replacement, Spine & Productive Aging

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms and definitions related to hip fractures, joint replacements, spinal conditions, low vision, community mobility, and occupational therapy interventions.

Hip Fracture Risk Factors

Decreased flexibility and strength, osteoporosis, reduced vision, slowed reaction time, and use of canes or walkers.

Falls in Older Adults

1 in 3 adults 65+ fall each year; leading cause of fatal and non-fatal injuries; >95% of hip fractures caused by falls.

Hip Joint

Ball-and-socket joint where the femoral head (ball) fits into the acetabulum (socket).

Total Hip Arthroplasty (THA) / Total Hip Replacement (THR)

Surgical replacement of the acetabulum and femoral head with artificial components.

Hemiarthroplasty

Partial hip replacement; only the femoral head is replaced.

Revision THA

Second hip replacement due to loosening, dislocation, implant failure, periprosthetic fracture, or infection.

Femoral Neck Fracture

Subcapital, transcervical, or basilar fracture common in adults >60; often from slight trauma or rotation.

Intertrochanteric Fracture

Fracture between the greater and lesser trochanter, usually from direct trauma; treated with ORIF.

Subtrochanteric Fracture

Fracture 1–2 inches below the lesser trochanter; often from high-energy trauma.

Closed Reduction

Realignment of fractured bone by external force, maintained with cast, brace, or traction.

Open Reduction and Internal Fixation (ORIF)

Surgical exposure of fracture with alignment using pins, screws, plates, nails, or rods.

Open Reduction and External Fixation (OREF)

Surgical alignment with external hardware stabilizing the fracture.

Posterior THA Precautions

No hip flexion >90°, no adduction, no internal rotation for 6–12 weeks.

Anterior THA Precautions

No external rotation, no adduction, no hip extension for 6–12 weeks (often fewer restrictions).

Global Hip Precautions

No hip flexion >90°, no adduction, no internal or external rotation, no bridging for 6–12 weeks.

Total Knee Replacement (TKR)

Knee joint resurfaced with prosthesis; knee immobilizer used, avoid rotation, usually full weight bearing.

Hip Abduction Wedge

Pillow device used in supine to maintain hip abduction after THA.

Weight-Bearing Status: NWB

Non-weight bearing; no weight on involved extremity.

Weight-Bearing Status: TTWB / TDWB

Toe-touch or touchdown; only toe for balance, imagining an egg under foot.

Weight-Bearing Status: PWB

Partial weight bearing; 20–50% of body weight allowed.

Weight-Bearing Status: WBAT

Weight bearing as tolerated; 50–100% based on pain.

Weight-Bearing Status: FWB

Full weight bearing; 100% body weight on affected leg.

Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) Signs

Increased pain, swelling, warmth, and color changes in limb; contraindication to therapy.

Incentive Spirometer

Device encouraging deep breathing post-surgery to prevent pneumonia.

Adaptive Equipment for Hip & Knee

Reacher, dressing stick, sock aid, long-handled sponge, leg lifter, elevated toilet seat, shower bench.

Osteoarthritis (OA)

Degenerative joint disease where articular cartilage deteriorates, causing pain and osteophytes.

OA Morning Stiffness

Joint discomfort upon waking that improves with activity.

OA Lifestyle Modifications

Maintain healthy weight, low-impact activity, balance rest and movement, avoid repetitive stress.

Joint Protection Principles

Techniques to reduce joint stress: use larger joints, maintain alignment, avoid sustained grip, distribute load.

Degenerative Disc Disease

Age-related dehydration and weakening of intervertebral discs, reducing shock absorption.

Disc Herniation

Protrusion of disc material causing nerve root compression, pain, and possible LE weakness.

Spinal Stenosis

Narrowing of spinal canal, often lumbar/cervical, leading to nerve impingement.

Spondylolisthesis

Anterior displacement of one vertebra over another, reducing spinal stability.

Osteoporotic Compression Fracture

Vertebral collapse due to low bone density, causing loss of height and pain.

Kyphoplasty

Balloon inflation and cement injection to restore compressed vertebral body height.

Vertebroplasty

Cement injection into fractured vertebra without balloon; stabilizes bone and relieves pain.

Discectomy

Surgical removal of herniated disc material via laminotomy incision.

Laminectomy

Removal of vertebral lamina to widen canal and relieve nerve pressure.

Spinal Fusion

Surgical joining of two or more vertebrae to eliminate motion and pain, reducing spinal mobility.

Post-Spinal Surgery Precautions

No bending, twisting, lifting >10 lb, prolonged positions, or driving until cleared; wear orthosis as ordered.

Body Mechanics Principles

Neutral spine, avoid twisting, use legs for lifting, keep load close, avoid jerking motions.

Productive Aging

Engagement in meaningful activities (work, volunteering, caregiving) that support positive aging.

Aging in Place

Continuation of living in one’s home with services to remain safe, independent, and comfortable.

Home Care Agency

Service providing companionship, homemaking, and respite care for clients aging in place.

Assisted Living Facility (ALF)

Residential setting offering help with ADLs and protective oversight for elders.

Independent Living Community (ILC)

Retirement community for older adults needing minimal assistance; offers amenities and social events.

Adult Day Services Center (ADC)

Community program offering daytime supervision, ADL help, meals, and activities, providing caregiver respite.

Low Vision Definition

Best-corrected vision <20/70 or visual field ≤10° in better eye and not correctable.

Cataract

Clouding of lens causing blurry vision; surgery 97% effective.

intervention: non-glare lighting, contrast enhacement

Glaucoma

Optic nerve damage from increased intraocular pressure leading to tunnel vision or blindness.

Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)

Central retinal damage; wet and dry forms; leading cause of vision loss >60 years.

Diabetic Retinopathy

Retinal vessel changes due to diabetes; major cause of adult blindness, treatable with lasers or vitrectomy.

Lighting for Older Adults

Need 2–3× more light; reduce glare by proper fixture choice and placement.

Environmental Adaptation for Low Vision

Use contrast, enlargement, tactile markings, and organized placement of objects.

Community Mobility

IADL involving use of transportation (private, public, walking, biking) within community.

Driver Rehabilitation Specialist (DRS)

OT with advanced training who performs comprehensive driving evaluations and interventions.

Certified Driving Rehabilitation Specialist (CDRS)

Professional credential requiring ≥832 hours of driver rehab practice and continuing education.

Fixed-Route Transit

Public transportation with set routes, stops, and schedules (e.g., buses, subways).

Demand-Response Transit

Door-to-door or curb-to-curb service scheduled by rider; mandated by ADA for disabled individuals.

Supplemental Transportation for Seniors

Private programs (e.g., taxi vouchers, ride-shares) tailored to older adults’ mobility needs.

Pedestrian Safety Skills

Vision, hearing, cognition (way-finding, timing), walking endurance, curb negotiation.

OT-DRIVE Framework

Process: Develop plan, Readiness check, Intervention (red/yellow/green), Verify goal, Evaluate or refer.

Posterior Approach Out-of-Bed Timeline

Clients often begin ambulation with precautions 1 day post-surgery if cleared.

Knee Immobilizer

Brace used after TKR to prevent knee rotation and support early mobilization.

Sequential Compression Device (SCD)

Inflatable sleeves reducing DVT risk by promoting venous return post-surgery.

Pain Management after TKR

Key due to higher pain and limited flexion; necessary for effective ROM and function.

Abduction Pillow

Triangular foam wedge keeping legs apart to maintain hip precautions while sleeping.

OT Intervention Focus (THR/TKR)

Lower-body dressing & bathing, toileting, safe transfers, walker safety, caregiver education.

Adaptive Toilet Equipment

Elevated seat or commode chair to reduce hip/knee flexion and ease transfers.

Fall Prevention Education

Home modifications, removal of throw rugs, adequate lighting, proper footwear, exercise for balance.

Thermal Modalities for OA

Heat or cold applications to reduce joint pain and stiffness.

Ergonomic Design

Modification of tools or environments to fit user, reducing strain and promoting efficiency.

TLSO

Thoracolumbosacral Orthosis; brace maintaining spinal alignment post-surgery.

Spinal Orthosis Wearing Schedule

Typically worn at all times except brief removal for hygiene; follow physician orders.

Neutral Spine Transfer

Technique maintaining spinal alignment during sit-to-stand or bed mobility.

Reclining Wheelchair

Chair allowing back angle adjustments, useful after THA/TKR for comfort and precautions.

Sexual Activity after THA

Usually permitted 6 weeks post-op with MD approval; avoid hip precautions, choose safe positions.

Sexual Activity after TKR

Side-lying on non-operated side; avoid extreme knee flexion until healed.

Bone Cement

Polymethyl-methacrylate used in kyphoplasty, vertebroplasty, and joint replacements to stabilize bone.

Walker Safety

Ensure correct height, step into walker, avoid pulling on walker to stand, observe weight-bearing limits.

Long-Handled Sponge

Bathing aid allowing washing of feet and lower legs without hip flexion beyond 90°.

Leg Lifter

Strap device assisting with lifting operated leg into bed while maintaining precautions.