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Osteoporosis International

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01-06-2008 | Original Article

Evaluation of a fall-prevention program in older people after femoral neck fracture: a one-year follow-up

Authors: M. Berggren, M. Stenvall, B. Olofsson, Y. Gustafson

Published in: Osteoporosis International | Issue 6/2008

Abstract

Summary

A randomized, controlled fall-prevention study including 199 patients operated on for femoral neck fracture reduced inpatient falls and injuries. No statistically significant effects of the intervention program could be detected after discharge. It seems that fall-prevention must be part of everyday life in fall-prone old people.

Introduction

This study evaluates whether a postoperative multidisciplinary, multifactorial fall-prevention program performed by a geriatric team that reduced inpatient falls and injuries had any continuing effect after discharge. The intervention consisted of staff education, systematic assessment and treatment of fall risk factors and vitamin D and calcium supplementation.

Methods

The randomized, controlled trial with a one-year follow-up at Umeå University Hospital, Sweden, included 199 patients operated on for femoral neck fracture, aged ≥70 years.

Results

After one year 44 participants had fallen 138 times in the intervention group compared with 55 participants and 191 falls in the control group. The crude postoperative fall incidence was 4.16/1,000 days in the intervention group vs. 6.43/1,000 days in the control group. The incidence rate ratio was 0.64 (95% CI: 0.40–1.02, p = 0.063). Seven new fractures occurred in the intervention group and 11 in the control group.

Conclusion

A team applying comprehensive geriatric assessment and rehabilitation, including prevention and treatment of fall-risk factors, reduced inpatient falls and injuries, but no statistically significant effects of the program could be detected after discharge. It seems that fall-prevention must be part of everyday life in fall-prone elderly.

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Title: Evaluation of a fall-prevention program in older people after femoral neck fracture: a one-year follow-up
Authors: M. Berggren
M. Stenvall
B. Olofsson
Y. Gustafson
Publication date: 01-06-2008
Publisher: Springer London
Published in: Osteoporosis International / Issue 6/2008
Print ISSN: 0937-941X
Electronic ISSN: 1433-2965
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00198-007-0507-9

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Evaluation of a fall-prevention program in older people after femoral neck fracture: a one-year follow-up

Abstract

Summary

Introduction

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Summary

Introduction

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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