Abstract
We analyzed the factors influencing the incidence of falling in a hundred and nice outpatients suffering from rheumatoid diseases. Falling accidents were found in 37 % of the patients and bone fracture (the neck of the femur in 2 cases, metatarsal bone in 1 case, rib bone in 1 case, tibia in 1 case, and radius in 1 case) were found in 5.5% of the patients in 1 year. Incidents of falling and bone fracture were found most frequently in the patients between 65 and 69 years of age. In the younger group (<65 years old), there was a significant correlation between falling and the disease disorders (activity index, ADL score, the joint range of motion, speed of walk and muscle weakness). But in the older (from 65 years old up) patients, there was no correlation between falling and the disease disorders. In the older patients, the lifestyle and complications (e.g. diabetes) were significantly correlated with falling. In the older patients, we should study other factors besides the disorders of arthritis that might influence the incidence of falling.
