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Stories for Reprint
Hip Osteoarthritis Raises Fall Risk
By Ferdous Al-Faruque, MARRTC Staff
According to the American Geriatrics Society about a third of adults over the age of 65 fall each year, but a recent Canadian study has also found that those over 65 with hip osteoarthritis or OA, are at even greater risk.
The study, conducted by the University of Saskatchewan, found almost half of adults 65 and older with hip OA fell at least once a year and 70 percent fell in or near the home. Researchers looked at 106 people between the ages of 65 and 88 who were diagnosed with hip OA. The participants lived independently and over two-thirds of them were women.
Most falls were from tripping over obstacles such as steps and curbs. A third of the falls were from slipping on surfaces such as ice, stairs, loose mats and wet floors. Other causes for falls were identified as turning too quickly, legs giving way and getting up from a chair or bed.
The American Geriatrics Society reports that nearly half of older adults are unable to get up from a fall unassisted. Although most of these falls only result in scrapes and bruises, more than 1 in 10 falls result in serious injury and broken bones. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has also found that in up to one in four hip fractures patients die within one year.
Cathy Arnold, associate professor at the University of Saskatchewan and principal investigator of the study, says people with hip OA should be concerned with their risk of falling. She adds they should talk to their doctor about their fall risk and how to reduce it. "There are some basic tests that can give (physicians) an idea of (patients') balance or strength impairment that they might have."
Healthcare professionals need to step up their screening for fall risk, according to Arnold. They need to recognize that all older adults are at risk of falling and pay special attention to patients with hip OA, who are at even higher risk.
Arnold says that their research suggests some people may need to change their walking pattern, get better footwear or learn the proper use of walking aids to reduce the their risk of falling. She adds some may also need to exercise to build muscles and improve balance. For more information about fall prevention, check out the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases Web site at www.niams.nih.gov/bone/hi/prevent_falls.htm
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