Complications

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:

• (1) Rubenstein LZ. Falls in older people:epidemiology, risk factors and strategies for prevention. Age and Ageing 2001;35-S2:ii37-ii41