Geriatric Fracture Center

What You Need to Know
About Geriatric Fractures

Falls are the leading cause of death from injury among people 65 and over.
One-third of people age 65 and over will fall at least once each year.
Among older adults, fractures are the most serious health outcomes associated with falls. About 3% of all falls cause fractures. The most common are fractures of the pelvis, hip, femur, vertebrae, humerus, hand, forearm, leg, and ankle.
Most falls occur in seniors' own homes, while doing their usual daily activities. However, up to 40% happen outdoors and in public places.
Nursing home residents average approximately 3 falls per year.
Falls usually happen because of the combined effects of a number of factors, such as a loss of balance, side effects of medicine, impaired vision or mobility, and environmental hazards.
About 50% of the elderly who sustain a fall-related injury will be discharged to a nursing home rather than return home.
Women are 3 times more likely than men to be hospitalized for a fall-related injury.
40% of falls that require hospitalization involve hip fractures.
Half of the people who have a hip fracture never regain their pre-fall level of functioning.
Many seniors are afraid of falling, which leads them to restrict their activities, which in turn can increase their risk of falling because of muscle weakness, joint stiffness, and poor balance.