Factors associated with fracture rate in community-living patients with spinal cord injury

Abstract

Objective: The purposes of this study are (i) to determine the prevalence of long bone fractures in a sample of persons with SCI living in the community and (ii) to determine the relationship between functionality, community integration, and fracture occurrence. Material and Methods: Two hundred fifty persons chosen randomly from the Northwest Regional Spinal Cord Injury System (NWRSCIS) database were screened by mailing the study questionnaire and consent forms. Demographic parameters and social integration levels were obtained from the NWRSCIS database, whereas walking index for spinal cord injury scores and activity levels were obtained from the study questionnaire. Patients were divided into two groups based on whether or not they had had any fractures since their acute SCI. The differences between groups were statistically analyzed. Results: Seventy patients returned the questionnaire and the consent forms. Ten (14%) patients reported that they had experienced fractures after spinal cord injury. Those who had a longer duration of injury and who were older were more likely to have had a fracture since the acute SCI. Conclusion: Fractures in community-living patients with SCI are common, and smoking, age, and time since injury are important factors that are related to fracture occurrence after SCI.