complications
Last reviewed 01/2018
The primary, obvious complication of a fall is that of injury:
- laceration, contusion
- head injury, possibly with subdural haematoma
- fractured limb, particularly fractured neck of femur
- fractured rib, which may result in pneumonia
- wrist fracture (common between the ages 65 and 75) and hip fracture (after 75) (1)
The less obvious consequences include:
- inability to summon help, resulting in:
- pressure sores
- pneumonia
- hypothermia
- rhabdomyolysis
- loss of confidence, which may cause increased dependence and morbidity
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