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PREVENTING FALLS

The information in this presentation was provided to the presenter by the American Academy of Orthopaedic

Surgeons and may be modified.

Endorsement of this presentation by the AAOS is not implied or inferred.

Preventing Falls

What is Orthopaedics? Fall Risks and Prevention

Orthopaedics

What is orthopaedics?The treatment and health maintenance of

musculoskeletal system (bones, joints, ligaments, muscles, tendons, cartilage and spine)

What is an Orthopaedic Surgeon? Medical doctor or Doctor of Osteopathic

Medicine with specialty training to provide musculoskeletal care with: Medication Physical therapy Brace Exercise Surgery

Orthopaedic Education

College 4 Medical School 4 Internship 1 Orthopaedic Residency 4 Fellowship (optional) (1) Two Years Practice 2

TOTAL 16 YEARS

Preventing Falls

Your Orthopaedic Surgeon

Getting you back in the game

Preventing Falls

1 in 3 senior citizens fall each year1

20% of falls require medical attention2 Severity increases with age3

1 American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (orthoinfo.org)2 “Exercise Best Falls Prevention Measure: Regular Exercise The Most

Effective Way to Prevent Seniors Falling” by Sue Cartledge.3 American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (orthoinfo.org)

Potential Consequences of Falls Loss of independence Loss of confidence Reduced physical

and social activity

Medical Risk Factors

Vision or hearing loss Impaired musculoskeletal function Bone and joint conditions: osteoporosis,

arthritis Irregular heartbeat, blood pressure

disorders

Medical Risk Factors

Depression, Alzheimer's disease, dementia

Stroke, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis

Urinary and bladder dysfunction Cancer that affects bones Medication side effects

Medical Risk Factors

See your doctors Talk about concerns

of falling Review medical

conditions and treatment plans

Medical Risk Factors

Get vision and hearing checked

Make sure glasses and hearing aids are working well for you

Medical Risk Factors

Get ALL medications reviewed — prescription and non-prescription

Ask about supplements

Medical Risk Factors

What you can do Quit smoking Limit drinking

Medical Risk Prevention Measures

EXERCISE Improves strength,

balance, flexibility, coordination

Reduces risk of injury

Exercise

Talk to your doctor Focus on improving

stability Consult with trainer or

physical therapist

Exercise

Do: Start slowly and

build up Exercise when

you are not tired Always warm

up and cool down

Exercise

Don’t: Do too much too soon Take any additional medication without

checking with your doctor

Home Risk Factors

60% of seniors’ falls occur in the home 1

25% of those who suffer hip injuries due to falls die within a year 2

1 American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (orthoinfo.org)

2 “Going Steady,” Catherine Gandel. The AARP Magazine, July-August 2003.

Home Risk Factors

Remove clutter from floors

Keep rooms well lit Move furniture and

cords out of pathways

Home Risk Factors

Repair loose floorboards and carpets

Secure throw rugs or remove them

Avoid low seating

Home Risk Factors

Wear shoes that fit and have non-skid soles

Tie your shoelaces Use a shoehorn if necessary

Home Risk Factors

Avoid high heels, thick soles

Don’t walk in stocking feet

Wear correct glasses

Home Risk Factors

Bedroom Keep light and phone near bed Install night-lights

Home Risk Factors

Bedroom Adjust bed

height Use non-slippery

linens Make clothes easy to reach

Home Risk Factors

Kitchen Clean up spills immediately Store food, dishes, within easy reach Keep hands free of

soap, oil

Home Risk Factors

Kitchen Don't stand on chairs or

boxes to reach upper cabinets

Use non-skid floor wax

Home Risk Factors

Keep soap within reach

Bathroom Place a slip-resistant rug next to tub Use rubber mat in tub

Home Risk Factors

Bathroom Use a plastic seat for baths Install grab-bars for tub and toilet Use raised toilet seat

Home Risk Factors

Bathroom Replace glass shower

enclosures with non-shattering material

Use a night-light

Home Risk Factors

Stairs and steps Install handrails on

both sides Attach non-skid treads Keep free of clutter Install adequate lighting

Home Risk Factors

Pets Obedience training Keep dishes, toys,

leashes out of the way

Home Risk Factors

Pets Use night-lights Be careful next to bed,

stairs

Home Risk Factors

Safe use of ladders More than 530,000 people

treated for ladder-related injuries each year

Source: U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, 2007.

Ladders

Select the right type of ladder for the job

Ladders

Inspect and lock before using

Home Risk Factors

Remember the 1-to-4 ladder rule

Home Risk Factors

Face the ladder Grip both rails Do not stand on the

top rungs Do not stand anywhere

other than on the rungs

Home Risk Factors

Do not lean Do not overreach Climb down to reposition

Home Risk Factors

Do not overload Do not use in high winds Do not use if you could

become tired, faint, or dizzy

Getting Up From a Fall

Stay calm Determine whether you are hurt If injured, GET HELP If uninjured, get up carefully

Getting Up From a Fall

1. Roll over naturally

2. Crawl to stable furniture

Getting Up From a Fall

3. Rise one knee at a time

4. Turn to sit

Preventing Falls

Resources

American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons

www.orthoinfo.org www.orthoinfo.org/falls

www.aaos.org

Preventing Falls

Questions?

Preventing Falls

Your Orthopaedic Surgeon

Getting you back in the game