Environmental hazards and hip fractures.
The type of environmental hazards implicated in the aetiology of a consecutive series of 787 hip-fracture patients was prospectively studied. Most falls occurred between 09 h 00 and midday and there was no seasonal variation. Fifty-one different environmental hazards were implicated in the aetiology of the fall for 58% of patients. The nature of environmental hazards was diverse, implying that measures to reduce the risk of falls due to these factors are unlikely to lead to a significant reduction in the incidence of hip fractures.
Parker
M J
MJ
Orthopaedic Department, Peterborough District Hospital.
Twemlow
T R
TR
Pryor
G A
GA
D000058:Accidental Falls / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001107:Architectural Accessibility / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D002940:Circadian Rhythm / Q000502:physiology; D004779:Environment Design; D005260:Female; D006620:Hip Fractures / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011446:Prospective Studies; D017751:Safety Management; D012621:Seasons; D006113:United Kingdom / Q000453:epidemiology