Table 1.

Degree of trauma categories

Degree of trauma	Description
Fall from standing height or less	This includes most injuries due to tripping over something, slipping in the shower or bathtub, or falling out of a chair (unless standing on it), in which the participant lands on the surface at the same height as the surface he has been standing on
Fall on stairs, steps or curb	This includes all falls during change of level, such as stepping up or downstairs, steps or curbs
Fall from more than standing height, but not on stairs	This includes falls from heights such as off a ladder or while standing on a table or chair, off a porch, out of a window, etc.
Minimal trauma other than a fall	This includes vertebral fractures associated with coughing, stepping down a step, turning over in bed, etc.
Moderate trauma other than a fall	This includes collisions with objects during normal activities (e.g., stub toe, hit hand against doorframe, walking into door)
Severe trauma other than a fall	This includes motor vehicle accidents, struck by a car, hit by rapidly moving projectile (golf ball or golf club), assault
Circumstance unknown	This includes situations where respondent cannot remember how the fracture occurred