Falls are the major cause of musculoskeletal injury among the elderly, with a rate in 2015 per 1,000 persons that was more than twice that for all ages (63.6/1000 versus 29.1/1000). Falls are also a major cause of death among the oldest old, those 85 and over. (Reference Table 5B.1.6 PDFCSV)
Healthcare visits for treatment of musculoskeletal injuries include hospital discharges, emergency department visits, outpatient clinic visits, and physician’s office visits. Overall, 1 out of every 15 healthcare visits (6.8%) is for treatment of a musculoskeletal injury. In 2013, sprains and strains and fractures were the most frequently treated type of musculoskeletal injury. (Reference Table 5B.2.1 PDFCSV)
