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Falls and peripheral nerve injuries: an age-dependent relationship
Kimon Bekelis1, Symeon Missios2, Robert J Spinner3
1Section of Neurosurgery, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, New Hampshire;
Journal of Neurosurgery
|May 16, 2015
Summary
Peripheral nerve injuries (PNIs) are more common in fall-injured patients than previously thought, particularly affecting young adults. High-energy falls increase PNI risk, while ground-level falls and female sex are associated with lower rates.
Area of Science:
- Traumatology
- Neurology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Falls represent a significant public health concern with a growing incidence.
- Peripheral nerve injuries (PNIs) are a potential consequence of falls, but their exact incidence remains understudied.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the incidence and demographic associations of PNIs in a large cohort of fall-injured patients.
- To investigate the relationship between age, sex, fall type, and PNI occurrence.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective cohort study utilizing the National Trauma Data Bank (NTDB) from 2009-2011.
- Inclusion of 839,210 patients with fall-related injuries.
- Regression analyses to assess associations between demographic factors and PNI rates.
Main Results:
- PNIs were identified in 0.4% of fall-injured patients (3151 cases).
- Incidence rates varied by fall type: 2.7/1000 for ground-level, 4.9/1000 for multilevel, and 4.5/1000 for falls involving force.
- PNI incidence peaked in the third decade of life, with highest odds in patients aged 20-29 years. Falls involving force showed higher PNI rates, while female sex and ground-level falls were associated with lower rates.
Conclusions:
- PNIs are more prevalent in fall-injured populations than previously recognized.
- Young adults are disproportionately affected by PNIs following falls.
- Fall characteristics, particularly high kinetic energy, are key factors associated with PNI development.
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