Consequences of low energy falls in patients aged 65 years and over and those under 65 years

Introduction: Fractures due to low-energy falls are a major problem for the elderly population. In this study, we analyzed the pathologies of patients who applied to the emergency room because of low energy falls. Materials and Method: 220 patients who applied to the Emergency Services of Yeditepe University and Cumhuriyet University Faculty of Medicine between January 2009 and May 2009 after a low-energy fall were analyzed. Patients were evaluated in two groups: ?65 years (n =120) and <65 years (n =100). Results: Patients 65 years of age and older were found to have a higher rate of rib, pelvis and femur fractures and hospitalizations due to low-energy falls than the younger patients. Conclusion: Patients aged 65 years and over are exposed to more life-threatening fractures due to low-energy falls than younger patients. We believe that; educating this age group and their care givers for prevention of falls and taking necessary precautions may reduce the rate of low-energy falls.