Comminuted fractures, in which the bone fragments into many pieces, are more common in the elderly. Anatomically, why would advanced age increase the risk for these kinds of fractures?
A) The decrease in organic, living, components in bone makes it more brittle.
B) Bone becomes more flexible with age.
C) Elderly individuals tend to do more activities resulting in strong twisting forces on their bones.
D) With age, bones acquire widespread microfractures that can result in fragmented fractures when excessive force is placed on the bone.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

As we age, our bone mass decreases, leading to decreased strength and increased risk of fractures. In addition, aging can result in a decrease in the amount of collagen and other organic components that give bones flexibility and resistance to fracture. This can lead to brittle bones that are more prone to breaking or shattering into many pieces during a fracture, resulting in a comminuted fracture.

Comminuted Fractures, in Which the Bone Fragments into Many Pieces