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Falls and Wrist Fracture: Relationship to Women’s Functional Status after Age 50

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  01 July 2016

Catherine M. Arnold ,
Vanina P.M. Dal Bello-Haas ,
Jonathan P. Farthing ,
Katie L. Crockett ,
Charlene R.A. Haver ,
Geoffrey Johnston  and
Jenny Basran
Catherine M. Arnold*
Affiliation:
School of Physical Therapy, College of Medicine, University of Saskatchewan
Vanina P.M. Dal Bello-Haas
Affiliation:
School of Rehabilitation Science, McMaster University
Jonathan P. Farthing
Affiliation:
College of Kinesiology, University of Saskatchewan
Katie L. Crockett
Affiliation:
School of Physical Therapy, College of Medicine, University of Saskatchewan
Charlene R.A. Haver
Affiliation:
College of Kinesiology, University of Saskatchewan
Geoffrey Johnston
Affiliation:
Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, University of Saskatchewan
Jenny Basran
Affiliation:
Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Saskatchewan
*
†La correspondance et les demandes de tire-à-part doivent être adressées à : / Correspondence and requests for offprints should be sent to: Dr. Cathy Arnold, Ph.D. School of Physical Therapy, College of Medicine University of Saskatchewan 210-1121 College Drive Saskatoon, SK S7N 0W3 (cathy.arnold@usask.ca)
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Abstract

Women experience a rapid rise in the incidence of wrist fracture after age 50. Accordingly, this study aimed to (1) determine the internal and environmental fall-related circumstances resulting in a wrist fracture, and (2) examine the relationship of functional status to these circumstances. Women aged 50 to 94 years reported on the nature of the injury (n = 99) and underwent testing for physical activity status, balance, strength, and mobility (n = 72). The majority of falls causing wrist fracture occurred outdoors, during winter months, as a result of a slip or trip while walking. Half of these falls resulted in other injuries including head, neck, and spine injuries. Faster walking speed, lower grip strength, and higher balance confidence were significantly associated with outdoor versus indoor falls and slips and trips versus other causes. This study provides insights into potential screening and preventive measures for fall-related wrist fractures in women.

Résumé

Après l’âge de cinquante ans, les femmes éprouvent une hausse rapide de l’incidence des fractures du poignet. En conséquence, cette étude vise (1) de déterminer les circonstances internes et environnementaux liés aux chutes entraînant des fractures du poignet, et (2) d’examiner la relation entre l’état fonctionnel et de telles circonstances. Les femmes âgées de 50 à 94 années sont rapportées sur la nature de la blessure (n = 99) et ont subi tests pour l’activité physique, l’équilibre, la force et la mobilité (n = 72). La majorité des chutes causant la fracture d’un poignet a eu lieu à l’extérieur, pendant les mois d’hiver, à la suite d’un glissement ou trébuchement tout en marchant. La moitié de ces chutes a entraîné d’autres blessures, y compris à la tête et au cou, et des traumatismes médullaires. Une vitesse plus rapide de la marche, une force inférieure d’adhérence, et une plus grande confiance en équilibre ont été toutes significativement associées aux chutes à l’extérieure, par comparaison aux chutes, glissades et trébuchements intérieures contre d’autres causes. Cette étude donne un aperçu des mesures de dépistage et de prévention potentielles pour les fractures du poignet liées aux chutes parmi les femmes.

Keywords

agingaccidental fallsrisk factorsolder adultscolles fracturefemalevieillissementchutes accidentellesfacteurs de risqueaînésfracture de Pouteau-Collesfemme (humaine)
Type
Articles
Information
Canadian Journal on Aging / La Revue canadienne du vieillissement , Volume 35 , Issue 3 , September 2016 , pp. 361 - 371
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Copyright
Copyright © Canadian Association on Gerontology 2016 

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