The Course of Disability Before and After a Serious Fall Injury

Abstract

Falling is a common and highly morbid condition. Each year, about 30% of community-living persons aged 65 years or older will fall, and the incidence increases to about 50% among those aged 80 years or older.^1-3 Approximately 10% of these falls will result in a serious injury, such as a fracture or traumatic brain injury.^3-6 Falls account for approximately 10% of visits to an emergency department and 6% of hospitalizations among Medicare beneficiaries.⁷