Citation

Herrmann R, Meier-Baumgartner HP. Z. Gerontol. Geriatr. 1999; 32(1): 52-57.

Vernacular Title

Die sturzbedingte, proximale Femurfraktur alterer Menschen--Atiologie und

Affiliation

Medizinisch-Geriatrische Klinik Albertinen-Haus, Hamburg.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1999, Holtzbrinck Springer Nature Publishing Group)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

10408026

Abstract

55 patients aged 65 years and older with a fracture of the proximal end of femur caused by a fall who have been admitted to the Medizinisch-Geriatrische Klinik Albertinen-Haus Hamburg for rehabilitation during the period of half a year took part in the study. Aim of the study was to describe the success of treatment as well as to prevent further falls by identifying the reason for their recent fall. Three defined moments are the basis of this analysis: admission and discharge of the Albertinen-Haus and a follow-up research four years later by interviewing their general practitioners. In addition the general physical condition and life surroundings prior to the fall have been evaluated by an anamnestic questionnaire. The average age was 81.1 years. All but three had been living at home prior to the fall and 72% could be discharged to their home after rehabilitation. Five patients died while still at hospital. The reason for falling has been classified into intrinsic and extrinsic factors. Twenty-six patients (47.3%) toppled due to an extrinsic and 20 (36.4%) due to an intrinsic cause. In nine cases (16.4%) no reason could be identified. No correlation between the patient's age and the success of treatment was found. However, the fear to fall again had a significant negative influence on the success of treatment. The inquiry of 45 patients four years later showed that 42.2% were living at home and 31.1% in a nursing home. Within the four years 26.7% died; 93.7% of the surviving patients were able to walk.

Language: de