Types of Injuries from Falls
Most children who die from or are severely injured from falls suffer from head injuries (traumatic brain injury).
See Traumatic Brain Injury Section for more information.
Falls are the most common cause of traumatic brain injury (TBI) and most fractures among older adults are caused by falls. The most common fractures are of the spine, hip, forearm, leg, ankle, pelvis, upper arm, and hand. Of all fall-related fractures, hip fractures cause the greatest number of deaths and lead to the most severe health problems and reduced quality of life.
Hip fractures are a particularly serious problem for women. In 2003, 72% of older adults admitted to the hospital for nonfatal falls resulting in hip fractures were women. Most patients with hip fractures must be hospitalized for at least one week. After release from the hospital these patients find it difficult to return to independent living with up to 25% of adults having to move to a nursing home for at least a year after their injury. Not all patients fully recover and as many as 20% of patients die within a year of their injury. .
For additional information on preventing hip fractures see: Preventing Hip Fractures
Center for Disease Prevention and Control “Hip Fractures Among Older Adults”:
www.cdc.gov/ncipc/factsheets/adulthipfx.htm