Injury Diagnosis and Affected Body Part for Nonfatal Fall-Related Injuries in Community-Dwelling Older Adults Treated in Emergency Departments

Abstract

<b>Objective:</b> To estimate frequency and type of older adult fall-related injuries treated in emergency departments (EDs). <b>Methods:</b> We used the 2015 National Electronic Injury Surveillance System: All Injury Program. Patient data were abstracted from the narratives describing the circumstance of injury. Data for community-dwelling older adults (<i>n</i> = 34,336) were analyzed to explore differences in injury diagnosis by demographic characteristics, location of fall, and disposition. <b>Results:</b> 70% of head-related injuries were internal injuries, suggestive of a traumatic brain injury. Most hip injuries were fractures or dislocations (73.3%). Women had higher percentages of fractures/dislocations but lower percentages of internal injuries than men. About a third of fall-related ED visits required hospitalization or transfer. <b>Discussion:</b> Falls in older adults result in array of injuries and pose a burden on the healthcare system. Understanding how fall injuries vary by different characteristics can help inform targeted prevention strategies.