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Complications

Last reviewed dd mmm yyyy. Last edited dd mmm yyyy

Authoring team

The primary, obvious complication of a fall is that of injury:

  • laceration, contusion
  • head injury, possibly with subdural haematoma
  • fractured limb, particularly fractured neck of femur
  • fractured rib, which may result in pneumonia
  • wrist fracture (common between the ages 65 and 75) and hip fracture (after 75) (1)

The less obvious consequences include:

  • inability to summon help, resulting in:
    • pressure sores
    • pneumonia
    • hypothermia
    • rhabdomyolysis
  • loss of confidence, which may cause increased dependence and morbidity

Reference:

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