Fracture epidemiology and control in a developmental center.
During 3.5 years, 182 fractures occurred among 994 residents of a developmental center. The fracture rate was 5.2 per 100 person-years (1.7 times greater than the rate in the US population). Fracture rate was significantly greater in residents with: epilepsy, older age, male gender, white race, independent ambulation, osteoporosis, and residence in intermediate care (versus skilled nursing) units; it was not affected by severity of mental retardation. Hand and foot bones were fractured in 58% of cases. Femur fracture occurred in 13 cases (7%). Fracture was caused by a fall in 41 cases (23%); its cause was indeterminable in 105 cases (58%). Fractures, occurring without significant injury, may be an important cause of preventable disability in this population. Control measures are suggested.
Lohiya
G S
GS
Fairview Developmental Center, Costa Mesa, CA 92626, USA.
Crinella
F M
FM
Tan-Figueroa
L
L
Caires
S
S
Lohiya
S
S
D000058:Accidental Falls; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D002658:Developmental Disabilities; D005260:Female; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D006230:Hand Injuries / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008663:Metacarpus / Q000293:injuries; D012189:Retrospective Studies