Age differences in fall-related injury hospitalisations and trauma presentations

Aim: To examine fall-related hospitalised morbidity in New South Wales (NSW) and to describe the pattern of fall-related major trauma presentations at a Level 1 Trauma Centre in NSW for younger and older fallers. Methods: Fall-related injuries were identified in the NSW Admitted Patients Data Collection during 1 July 1999-30 June 2008 and the trauma registry of the NSW St George Public Hospital during 1 January 2006-6 December 2008. Results: There were 434 138 hospitalisations and 862 fall-related trauma presentations. Older fallers had a higher incidence of hospitalisation, being more likely to fall on the same level during general activities at home, injuring their hip or thigh. Older fallers were also more likely to have an Injury Severity Score > 9, undergo physiotherapy and stay in hospital for >1 day than younger fallers. Conclusion: Falls, particularly for older individuals, are an important cause of serious injury, representing a considerable burden in terms of hospitalised morbidity.