prevention and management of falls
This home improvement can reduce the change of tripping over loose rugs and floorboards
What is removing hazards at home?
This architectural feature, if not supported with railings, increases fall risk—especially on descent.
What are stairs?
This is the 1-year mortality rate for Australians aged 45 and above after a hip fracture.
What is 1 in 4 (25%)
This scan is the gold standard for diagnosing osteoporosis.
What is a DEXA scan?
This vitamin, along with calcium, supports bone health and reduces fracture risk.
What is vitamin D?
Inadequate amounts of this can lead to poor visibility and increased fall risk at night.
What is poor lighting?
Only this proportion of older Australians regain their previous level of function after a hip fracture.
What is 50%
About this fraction of Australians over 50 have low bone density or osteoporosis.
What is 66%
Good balance and strength can be maintained by doing this regularly.
What is exercise?
The proportion of Australians over 65 who fall each year.
What is 1 in 3
According to the 2022 Australian Burden of Disease Study, hip fractures in adults 45+ account for this many years lost to disability (YLD).
What is 5500 YLD?
Osteoporosis can cause people to lose height due to fractures in this structure.
What is fractures of spine/ vertebrae
Hip fractures, head trauma, and bleeding are checked for during this step.
What is a physical examination?
The percentage of falls in older Australians that require medical attention.
What is 30%
These clinical guidelines in Australia and New Zealand aim to improve hip fracture outcomes through timely surgery, pain management, and secondary prevention.
What are the Australia and New Zealand Hip Fracture Care Guidelines?
These medications, often the first-line pharmacological treatment, reduce fracture risk by inhibiting bone resorption.
What are Biphosphates
This therapy helps patients regain mobility after a fall.
What is physiotherapy?
This common psychological issue in older adults can actually increase the risk of future falls.
What is fear of falling?
Name three complications of hip fracture that increase morbidity: ¾ of patients undergo this treatment, immobility increases risk of this vascular event, and hospitalisation increases risk of these infections.
What are surgery (with infection risk), deep vein thrombosis/pulmonary embolism, and respiratory infections such as pneumonia?
A T-score ( DEXA Scan) ≤ –2.5 defines this bone condition.
Osteoporosis