Citation

Lohiya GS, Crinella FM, Tan-Figueroa L, Caires S, Lohiya S. West. J. Med. 1999; 170(4): 203-209.

Affiliation

Fairview Developmental Center, Costa Mesa, CA 92626, USA.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1999, BMJ Publishing Group)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

10344173

PMCID

PMC1305549

Abstract

During 3.5 years, 182 fractures occurred among 994 residents of a developmental center. The fracture rate was 5.2 per 100 person-years (1.7 times greater than the rate in the US population). Fracture rate was significantly greater in residents with: epilepsy, older age, male gender, white race, independent ambulation, osteoporosis, and residence in intermediate care (versus skilled nursing) units; it was not affected by severity of mental retardation. Hand and foot bones were fractured in 58% of cases. Femur fracture occurred in 13 cases (7%). Fracture was caused by a fall in 41 cases (23%); its cause was indeterminable in 105 cases (58%). Fractures, occurring without significant injury, may be an important cause of preventable disability in this population. Control measures are suggested.

Language: en