Absence of Skin in Third-Degree Burns & Skeletal Mass and Fractures

• • Decreased Bone Density: Osteoporosis, a condition characterized by weakened bones, becomes more prevalent with age, making bones more susceptible to fractures.
  • Falls: Elderly individuals are more prone to falls due to balance problems, muscle weakness, and vision impairment.
  • Slower Healing: The body's ability to heal fractures slows down with age, increasing the risk of complications.

• Greenstick Fractures in Children: Greenstick fractures, where the bone bends but doesn't break completely, are more common in children because their bones are more flexible and less brittle than adult bones. This flexibility allows the bone to absorb some of the force without completely breaking.

Part A: Third-Degree Burns and Loss of Skin Functions

Patients with third-degree burns, which damage all layers of the skin, face two critical problems:

1. Fluid Loss and Dehydration: The skin acts as a barrier to prevent fluid loss. With extensive burns, this barrier is compromised, leading to rapid fluid loss and dehydration. This can cause electrolyte imbalances, shock, and even organ failure if not addressed promptly.

2. Infection: The skin provides a first line of defense against infection. With third-degree burns, this protective layer is breached, making patients highly susceptible to bacterial, fungal, and viral infections. These infections can be life-threatening and require aggressive treatment.

Part B: Skeletal Mass and Fractures

• Skeletal Mass Increase and Decline: Skeletal mass increases dramatically during childhood and adolescence, peaking around age 30. After this, it gradually declines throughout life.

• Fractures in Elderly Individuals: Fractures are most common in elderly individuals due to several factors:

  • Decreased Bone Density: Osteoporosis, a condition characterized by weakened bones, becomes more prevalent with age, making bones more susceptible to fractures.
  • Falls: Elderly individuals are more prone to falls due to balance problems, muscle weakness, and vision impairment.
  • Slower Healing: The body's ability to heal fractures slows down with age, increasing the risk of complications.