Hip fracture patients more likely to suffer second fall according to study
Physical Therapy Program Developed to Prevent Falls Among Elderly
LOUISVILLE, Ky. – For the thousands of elderly Americans living alone, fear of a fall is a real concern. Among older adults, back injuries, wrist fractures, head injuries and hip fractures are major medical problems resulting from falls. Adding to the problem, a recent study published by the Journal of the American Physical Therapy Association found that 53% of those who suffered a fall related hip fracture experienced another fall within six months of leaving the hospital. Of those who fell a second time, 18% were readmitted to the hospital to be treated for fall related injuries.
The news is not all bleak however. The study also found that patients can be evaluated early in their hospital stay to assess whether or not they are at risk for a second fall when they return home. If a patient had poor balance, and a slow walking speed prior to their first fall, they are at risk for a second, potentially more serious fall according to the study.
“A hip fracture can be really devastating to an older patient,” said Robin Harrington, KORT physical therapist. “It is not only physically challenging as they go through therapy to walk again, but also mentally challenging since many become fearful of falling again. It’s this fear that often prevents them from being able to walk unassisted. They look to canes and walkers as added assurance that they won’t fall. In some patients this really inhibits their recovery and makes them dependant on these devices.”
Helping patients strengthen their muscles and regain balance is key to preventing falls, according to the study. Harrington said that for patients and their families, preventing that first fall is key. She said that anytime a patient is proactive in preventing an injury the better off they are.
And this goes for all patients regardless of age, said Harrington. She said that patients suffering from vertigo, dizziness and other balance issues can be helped by KORT’s new fall prevention program.
“It is always much easier to strengthen your body than it is to recover from an injury or surgery. If you can identify a patient’s likelihood of falling early on, you can work with them and hopefully avoid that first fall and any injuries from ever occurring. The strengthening and balance exercises we do at KORT help patients to walk better and regain their confidence, which is good news for patients and their families,” said Harrington.
Harrington said that KORT’s fall prevention program includes a thorough functional assessment test to identify a patient’s weaknesses. This can be done on patients who have never experienced a fall, as well as those who’ve had a hip surgery. The test measures gait speed, balance, stop and turn skill and general walking technique. Based on a patient’s score, Harrington can determine the likelihood of them sustaining a fall within the next six months. The test also helps her determine a patient’s deficits and allows her to develop a specific strengthening and balance program to combat these deficits.
“We’ve had excellent results so far and I know we’ve helped patients avoid injury,” said Harrington.
Founded in 1987, Kentucky Orthopedic Rehab Team (KORT) is an outpatient physical and occupational therapy and sports medicine practice. KORT therapists work with patients to make sure they understand their condition, and give patients the tools they need to recover quickly and prevent further injury. Currently, KORT has over 30 clinics throughout Kentucky and Southern Indiana, with more board-certified specialists than any other physical therapy provider in Kentucky. For more information visit www.kort.com. |
