Fall Prevention
The value of assessing the risk of falling,
and intervening in those at high risk (e.g.,
those with pre-existing fragility fractures),
is supported by randomized clinical trials in
elderly patients19 In
those with a pre-existing fragility fracture,
fall prevention measures are useful. Over 90%
of hip and wrist fractures are thought to be the
result of a fall.20 Elderly
patients may be at risk for falling for a variety
of reasons, including frailty and associated
deconditioning, poor visual acuity, impaired hearing,
and use of medications with neurologic effects
that compromise protective neuromuscular reflexes
(e.g., long-acting
benzodiazepines).9
Eliminating environmental hazards is one relatively
easy way to reduce the risk of falls and is applicable
to any patient with osteoporosis and to all geriatric
patientsin general. The AACE recommends these
steps for fall prevention.10 |
