A Survey Study on Characteristics Associated with Fractures in Elderly People

Lee, Jong Kyung

Abstract

PURPOSE
The purpose of this study was to identify characteristics associated with fractures in elderly people in order to provide basic data for fracture preventive programs for the elderly people. METHOD: The participants were 84 patients over age of 65, who were admitted to the orthopedic department in a hospital in Chungnam province. Data were collected from Sep. 1, 2002 to Aug, 30, 2003 through personal interviews using a structured questionnaire. The data were analyzed using SPSSPC program. RESULT: Physical characteristics before the fracture included weakness or paralysis in the extremities (29.8%), need of assistance or appliances (13.1%), difficulty on balance (28.6%), visual disturbances (26.2%), hearing impairment (17.9%), speech disturbances (2.4%), urinary dysfunction (21.4%), and sleep disturbances (54.8%). The fractures occurred most frequently in winter (32.1%), between 1 pm and 6 pm (48.8%), on weekends (41.6%), in the road (58.3%) while wearing snickers (27.4%) or shoes (27.4%). The region of fractures occurred most frequently was lower extremities (57.1%), and the causes of fractures were loss of balance (31.0%) and car accident (25.0 %). A significance difference was found for type of accident, footwear at the time of the accident, place of the accident according to gender and age. Also a significance difference was found for type of accident and place of accident according to season(p<.05). CONCLUSION: Therefore, these results should be considered when a fracture preventive program for elderly people is designed.