@article{ref1,
title="Falls in the elderly: a modern look at an old problem",
journal="American journal of surgery",
year="2014",
author="Gelbard, Rondi and Inaba, Kenji and Okoye, Obi T. and Morrell, Michael and Saadi, Zainab and Lam, Lydia and Talving, Peep and Demetriades, Demetrios",
volume="208",
number="2",
pages="249-253",
abstract="BACKGROUND: Falls are a leading cause of unintentional injury among adults, especially those over 65 years of age. With increasing longevity and improving access to health care, falls are affecting a more mobile senior citizen population that does not fit the typical profile. We set out to evaluate the current nature of these falls in the elderly. <br><br>METHODS: This is a 2-year retrospective chart review of all falls in patients 65 years or older at an urban Level I trauma center. Demographics, location and height of fall, associated injuries, and outcomes were obtained from chart review. <br><br>RESULTS: There were 400 patients meeting inclusion criteria. The cohort had a mean age of 78.3 ± 8.8 years, 50% were male, and 72.5% had at least 1 comorbidity. Non-ground level falls (Non-GLF) were recorded in 56 patients (14%). These patients suffered a significantly higher injury burden. Non-GLF were associated with significantly higher intensive care unit length of stay (2.6 ± 5.6 vs 4.6 ± 6.7 days, P =.016) and a trend toward higher mortality than GLF. <br><br>CONCLUSIONS: Falls remain a source of considerable healthcare expenditure, especially among the elderly. Non-GLF account for 14% of cases and are associated with a significantly higher burden of injury and morbidity. Fall prevention strategies should include these active older individuals at risk of high-level falls.<p /> <p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="0002-9610",
doi="10.1016/j.amjsurg.2013.12.034",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.amjsurg.2013.12.034"
}