Fractures and Repeated Falls

Whereas most fractures are preceded by falls, most falls do not result in fractures (1,2). Clinicians therefore have an ideal opportunity to prevent fractures by identifying those patients who sustain or are likely to sustain repeated falls, a relatively easy task that can be accomplished by merely asking whether the patient fell or had a “near fall” during the past few months. An affirmative answer would trigger either a thorough assessment to identify the etiology of these falls or, given the time limitation, a note to referring physicians alerting them that the patient's fracture risk is increased, independent of other risk fa ctors, because of the increased risk of falls.

Source: Journal of Clinical Densitometry - July 19, 2017 Category: Radiology Authors: Ronald C. Hamdy Tags: Original Article Source Type: research