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. 2008 Dec;6(4):149-54.
doi: 10.1007/s11914-008-0026-4.

Falls: epidemiology, pathophysiology, and relationship to fracture

Sarah D Berry  1 , Ram R Miller
Affiliations

Falls: epidemiology, pathophysiology, and relationship to fracture

Sarah D Berry et al. Curr Osteoporos Rep. 2008 Dec.

Abstract

Falls are common in the elderly, and frequently result in injury and disability. Most falls result from an interaction between individual characteristics that increase an individual's propensity to fall and acute mediating risk factors that provide the opportunity to fall. Predisposing risk factors include age-associated changes in strength and balance, comorbidities such as osteoarthritis, visual impairment and dementia, psychotropic medications, and certain types of footwear. Fewer studies have focused on acute precipitating factors, but environmental and situational factors are clearly important to fall risk. Approximately 30% of falls result in an injury that requires medical attention, with fractures occurring in approximately 10%. In addition to the risk factors for falls, the fall descent, fall impact, and bone strength are all important determinants of whether a fall will result in a fracture. In recent years, numerous studies have been directed toward the development of effective fall and fall-related fracture prevention interventions.

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References

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Annotated References

    1. Tinetti ME, Speechley M, Ginter SF. Risk factors for falls among elderly persons living in the community. N Engl J Med. 1988 Dec 29;319(26):1701–1707. - PubMed

    2. This seminal article represents one of the most influential early articles examining the risk factors for falls in older adults.

    1. Guideline for the prevention of falls in older persons. American Geriatrics Society, British Geriatrics Society, and American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons Panel on Falls Prevention. J Am Geriatr Soc. 2001 May;49(5):664–672. - PubMed

    2. This article, published by several leading medical organizations, provides an evidence based approach to fall risk assessment and fall prevention in older adults.

    1. Kiel DP, Magaziner J, Zimmerman S, et al. Efficacy of a hip protector to prevent hip fracture in nursing home residents: the HIP PRO randomized controlled trial. Jama. 2007 Jul 25;298(4):413–422. - PubMed

    2. This article presents data from an important multi-institutional study of hip protectors that randomized individual nursing home residents to a right or left sided-hip protector. This important study confirmed the null findings of previous hip protector investigations as reduction in hip fractures was found on the protected hip.

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