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. 1999 Apr;170(4):203–209.

Fracture epidemiology and control in a developmental center.

G S Lohiya 1, F M Crinella 1, L Tan-Figueroa 1, S Caires 1, S Lohiya 1
PMCID: PMC1305549  PMID: 10344173

Abstract

During 3.5 years, 182 fractures occurred among 994 residents of a developmental center. The fracture rate was 5.2 per 100 person-years (1.7 times greater than the rate in the US population). Fracture rate was significantly greater in residents with: epilepsy, older age, male gender, white race, independent ambulation, osteoporosis, and residence in intermediate care (versus skilled nursing) units; it was not affected by severity of mental retardation. Hand and foot bones were fractured in 58% of cases. Femur fracture occurred in 13 cases (7%). Fracture was caused by a fall in 41 cases (23%); its cause was indeterminable in 105 cases (58%). Fractures, occurring without significant injury, may be an important cause of preventable disability in this population. Control measures are suggested.

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Selected References

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