Background and Aims
Stroke is a leading disability in the adult population. There is a 4 fold increase in fracture risk after stroke (1). The aim of this study is to review the most common type of fractures within 2 years after stroke.
Methods
The data has been acquired from the electronic health record of patients who had been admitted to the Flinders Medical Centre (FMC) stroke rehabilitation ward between 2018-2019 and fractures which occurred within 2 years after their initial stroke. Data gathered include age, gender, type of stroke (ischaemic vs haemorrhagic), number of fractures, fracture location, side of fracture, onset of fracture and history of osteoporosis.
Results
560 cases were reviewed and 50 (8.9%) cases were noted to have fracture after stroke with 78% being ischaemic stroke and 22% haemorrhagic. Of the 8.9%, the average age of patients who fractured was 78.4 years and the average days to fracture was 537.8 days (1 year and 5 months). The most common fracture was hip fracture (30.4%) and 68% of the fractures occur at on the side deficits with only 18% of the patients had known osteoporosis.
Conclusions
Fracture post stroke is a concern as patients with stroke are at higher risk of falls especially those with persisting stroke deficits. By having a fracture, will further reduce their level of independence and quality of life causing increasing morbidity and mortality. It is important to consider the management of their bone health after stroke to reduce the risk of fracture.