The need for a falls prevention programme for patients undergoing hip and knee replacement surgery

• Published in: Journal of orthopaedic nursing 2007-05, Vol.11 (2), p.98-103
• Main Authors: Mitchell, Sheryl, McCaskie, Andrew, Francis, Roger, Peaston, Robert, Birrell, Fraser, Lingard, Elizabeth
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Falls; Hip replacement; Knee replacement; Osteoarthritis
• ISSN: 1361-3111; 1873-4839
• DOI: 10.1016/j.joon.2007.02.011

Falls are a major concern in the elderly consuming considerable healthcare resources. This study evaluates the incidence of falls in patients suffering osteoarthritis (OA) and their impact on health status. 199 patients awaiting primary hip or knee replacement surgery for OA were recruited (84 hips, 115 knees). Patients completed a questionnaire including the Western Ontario and McMaster University OA Index (WOMAC), Short Form 36 (SF-36), and history of falls. Function was measured using the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test. Seventy-five patients (39%) reported falling within a 4-week period with 50 (25%) having fallen more than once. Fallers had significantly lower WOMAC pain and function scores, slower TUG, and worse SF-36 scores excluding social functioning and mental health. This study demonstrates that patients with hip or knee OA frequently fall. Considering the increasing numbers of patients undergoing total knee and hip replacement for OA, and the catastrophic consequences of peri-prosthetic fractures, the need to incorporate a falls prevention programme within arthroplasty management requires evaluation.