A Prospective Study of Falls Following Hip Fracture in Community Dwelling Older Adults

Objectives. This cohort study was designed to determine if the rate of falls, subsequent injuries and the utilisation of health and community care services was higher over one year in a group of community living hip fracture subjects (six-twelve months post fracture) than in age and gender matched controls. Functional and quality of life measures were assessed as potential predictors of falls. Method. 92 age (mean age 76) and gender (60 females: 32 males) matched subjects had demographic, functional and quality of life measures assessed at baseline. Over the following year datum on the number of falls, trips and stumbles and the circumstances surrounding the event were collected by monthly telephone surveillance. Results. The incidence rate for both falls and events, including where the event occurred, were similar for the groups. The distribution of the type of event was different with the fracture group experiencing more falls and stumbles and the controls more trips. The fracture group had more significant injuries, including fractures, and was more likely to have sought medical attention. The Berg Balance Scale, Frenchay Activities of Daily Living and the physical function domain of the SF-36 were negatively predictive of falls. Conclusions. The hip fracture patient, living in the community 6-12 months later, is no more likely to fall than their age and gender counterpart, however, they presented with a different and more severe pattern of injury and an increased use of GP services. The fracture group was also noted to be less active, indicating that they may have made lifestyle modifications, which may decrease their risk of falls.