Vicki Komisar1, Stephen Neil Robinovitch2,3. 1. School of Engineering, The University of British Columbia, Kelowna, BC, Canada. 2. Department of Biomedical Physiology and Kinesiology, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada. stever@sfu.ca. 3. School of Engineering Science, Simon Fraser University, 8888 University Drive, Burnaby, BC, V5A 1S6, Canada. stever@sfu.ca.
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Adults over age 65 experience the highest rates of bone fracture, and 90% of fractures in older adults are caused by falls from standing height or lower. Advances in fracture prevention rely on our ability to prevent falls, reduce the severity of falls, and enhance the resistance of bone to trauma. To help guide these efforts, we need improved understanding on the types of falls that cause fractures. RECENT FINDINGS: In this review, we describe recent evidence on how the mechanics of falls in older adults influence the risk for fractures to the hip, wrist, vertebrae, and humerus. We discuss how fracture risk depends on fall height, fall direction, and landing configuration. We also review the benefits of exercise, wearable protective gear, and environmental modifications in preventing fractures in older adults. Our findings highlight promising new directions in fracture prevention, and the need for collaboration between the bone and falls research communities to implement proven strategies and generate new solutions.
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Adults over age 65 experience the highest rates of bone fracture, and 90% of fractures in older adults are caused by falls from standing height or lower. Advances in fracture prevention rely on our ability to prevent falls, reduce the severity of falls, and enhance the resistance of bone to trauma. To help guide these efforts, we need improved understanding on the types of falls that cause fractures. RECENT FINDINGS: In this review, we describe recent evidence on how the mechanics of falls in older adults influence the risk for fractures to the hip, wrist, vertebrae, and humerus. We discuss how fracture risk depends on fall height, fall direction, and landing configuration. We also review the benefits of exercise, wearable protective gear, and environmental modifications in preventing fractures in older adults. Our findings highlight promising new directions in fracture prevention, and the need for collaboration between the bone and falls research communities to implement proven strategies and generate new solutions.
Authors: Clemens Becker; Martina Kron; Ulrich Lindemann; Elisabeth Sturm; Barbara Eichner; Barbara Walter-Jung; Thorsten Nikolaus Journal: J Am Geriatr Soc Date: 2003-03 Impact factor: 5.562
Authors: Joshua N Farr; L Joseph Melton; Sara J Achenbach; Elizabeth J Atkinson; Sundeep Khosla; Shreyasee Amin Journal: J Bone Miner Res Date: 2017-10-03 Impact factor: 6.741
Authors: Vicki Komisar; Aleksandra Dojnov; Yijian Yang; Nataliya Shishov; Helen Chong; Ying Yu; Ian Bercovitz; Michael D Cusimano; Clemens Becker; Dawn C Mackey; Stephen N Robinovitch Journal: BMC Geriatr Date: 2022-04-19 Impact factor: 4.070
Authors: Catherine M Arnold; Joel Lanovaz; Jonathan P Farthing; Hayley Legg; Melanie Weimer; Soo Kim Journal: Clin Rehabil Date: 2022-03-15 Impact factor: 2.884