Falls, and the resulting injuries, are common
among the elderly. Approximately 30%
of persons over 65 years of age fall each
year.1,2 Approximately 24% of those who fall
at least once per year sustain a serious injury.2
Tinetti et al2 defined serious injury as “any
fracture or soft-tissue injuries requiring
medical attention or resulting in activity restriction
for more than 48 hours.” Approximately
48% of elderly persons who fall at