Neurological deficits post-stroke and associated reduced bone mass lead to increased fall and fracture risk, known to be associated with increased mortality. Despite recent advances identifying risk factors for falls post-stroke in survivors, they remain poorly understood. This study aimed to investigate which factors increased the risk of falls and fractures after stroke.
We analysed data from a regional stroke register, between 2003-2015. The data entry team documented paper-based records at baseline. Incident falls and fractures were followed up by record linkage. Univariate and multivariate Cox Proportional Hazard models were constructed - adjusting for patient/stroke characteristics and co-morbidities - analysing over 10-years follow up.
7248 patients discharged after acute stroke (89.6% ischaemic) were included. The mean age (SD) was 76.3 ± 12.1 years; 50.6% women. 1136 (15.7%)...