The human cost of fracture

Pasco, Julie A., Sanders, Kerrie M., Hoekstra, Frouckje M., Henry, Margaret J., Nicholson, Geoffrey C. and Kotowicz, Mark A. 2005, The human cost of fracture, Osteoporosis International, vol. 16, no. 12, pp. 2046-2052.

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Title The human cost of fracture
Author(s) Pasco, Julie A.
Sanders, Kerrie M.
Hoekstra, Frouckje M.
Henry, Margaret J.
Nicholson, Geoffrey C.
Kotowicz, Mark A.
Journal name Osteoporosis International
Volume number 16
Issue number 12
Start page 2046
End page 2052
Total pages 7
Publisher Springer U. K.
Place of publication Surrey, England
Publication date 2005-12
ISSN 0937-941X
Keyword(s) fracture
health services
home modifications
mobility
morbidity
women
Summary In this population-based, observational study, we document the personal burden of fracture and utilization of community and health services for women during the 12-month period following a fracture. Participants were 598 women (aged 35-92 years) with incident fracture in the years 1994-1996 who were enrolled in the Geelong Osteoporosis Study. Almost all hip fracture cases and 27% of nonhip fracture cases were hospitalized. Homes were modified in 14% of cases, and 32% of the women purchased or hired equipment to assist with activities of daily living. Three-quarters of women with hip, pelvis, or lower limb fractures were confined to the home, had to walk with a walking aid, or could walk only short distances for several weeks. After a year, nearly one-half had not regained prefracture mobility. One-seventh of women with upper-limb fractures did not venture outside the home for at least 6 weeks. Nearly half of all fracture cases needed help with personal care and housework during the first 6 weeks. After 6 months, 3.4% of all patients and 19.6% of hip, 12.8% of humeral, and 4.7% of spine fracture patients required assistance with bathing and showering. After a year, more than half of the hip fracture cases remained restricted regarding housework, gardening, and transport. These findings have important implications for rehabilitation therapy. A fracture, regardless of site, had a major impact on a woman's lifestyle and well-being. Most women were restricted in their activities of daily living and suffered loss of confidence and independence. Short-term morbidity was common for all fractures, with varying degrees of prolonged morbidity often extending to at least a year postfracture.
Language eng
Field of Research 119999 Medical and Health Sciences not elsewhere classified
Socio Economic Objective 970111 Expanding Knowledge in the Medical and Health Sciences
HERDC Research category C1.1 Refereed article in a scholarly journal
Copyright notice ©2005, International Osteoporosis Foundation and National Osteoporosis Foundation
Persistent URL http://hdl.handle.net/10536/DRO/DU:30042825

Document type: Journal Article
Collection: School of Medicine
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