Geriatric fall-related injuries.

Ashraf F. Hefny1, Alaa K. Abbas, Fikri M. Abu-Zidan
1. Department of Surgery, Al Rahba Hospital, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
2. Trauma Group, Department of Surgery, College of Medicine and Health Sciences,
UAE University, Al-Ain, United Arab Emirates
3. Department of Surgery, Al-Ain Hospital, Al-Ain, United Arab Emirates

Abstract
Background:Falls are the leading cause of geriatric injury.

Objectives:We aimed to study the anatomical distribution, severity, and outcome of geriatric fall-related injuries in order to give recommendations regarding their prevention.

Methods: All injured patients with an age ≥ 60 years who were admitted to Al-Ain Hospital or died in the Emergency Department due to falls were prospectively studied over a four year period.

Results: We studied 92 patients. Fifty six of them (60.9%) were females. The mean (standard deviation) of age was 72.2 (9.6)  years. Seventy three (89%) of all incidents occurred at home. Eighty three patients (90.2%) fell on the same level. The median  (range) ISS was 4 (1-16) and the median GCS (range) was 15 (12-15). The lower limb was the most common injured body region  (63%). There were no statistical significant differences between males and females regarding age, ISS, and hospital stay (p = 0.85,  p = 0.57, and p = 0.35 respectively).

Conclusion:The majority of geriatric fall-related injuries were due to fall from the same level at home. Assessment of risk factors for falls including home hazards is essential for prevention of geriatric fall-related injuries.

Keywords: Accidental fall, geriatrics, injury, trauma registry.