Appendicular fractures: a significant problem among institutionalized adults with developmental disabilities.

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Public Health
• Neurology

Background:

• Nontraumatic fractures represent a significant health concern in adults with developmental disabilities.
• Institutionalized individuals with severe developmental disabilities exhibit a high incidence of fractures.
• Identifying risk factors is crucial for proactive fracture prevention strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the incidence of nontraumatic fractures in adults with developmental disabilities residing in a state-run facility.
• To identify potential risk factors, including bone mineral density (BMD), associated with fractures in this population.
• To determine if individuals at highest risk for fracture can be prospectively identified.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective review of 391 adults with developmental disabilities was conducted.
• Fracture risk factors were examined in 23 residents with fractures and 23 matched controls.
• Bone mineral density (BMD) was estimated using heel ultrasound.

Main Results:

• The incidence of fracture was 7.3% among the 391 adults studied.
• A trend suggested an association between antiepileptic medication usage and fractures.
• Heel ultrasound-derived BMD did not predict fractures but revealed significantly lower values compared to the general population.

Conclusions:

• Fractures and low bone mineral density (BMD) are prevalent issues in institutionalized adults with severe developmental disabilities.
• Antiepileptic medication use may be a contributing factor to fracture risk.
• Further research is needed to develop effective therapies for fracture prevention in this vulnerable group.