Risk Factors, Frequency, and Causes of Falling in Geriatric Persons Who Has Had a Limb Removed by Amputation

Abstract

Purpose 

This study was planned to investigate falls, their frequency, reasons, and consequences in the older patient with lower limb amputations.

Methods 

Twenty-five patients with lower limb amputations were included in the study. A questionnaire for falling was applied. Functional levels of these patients were determined according to the Medicare Functional Level System.

Results 

The falling questionnaire revealed that except for 5 patients with amputations, the subjects had experienced an incident of falling once or more than once. The common reasons for falls turned out to be losing balance, stumbling on the prosthesis, and colliding with someone.

Conclusions 

It was concluded that performing comprehensive evaluations in which falling histories were assessed before planning rehabilitation programs enriched the rehabilitation programs by suggesting different types of activities.