Journal of Osteoporosis and Physical Activity
Open Access
ISSN: 2329-9509
+44 1478 350008
ISSN: 2329-9509
+44 1478 350008
Gino De Angelis
Objective: The purpose of this research was to develop an interdisciplinary understanding of the determinants of falls leading to hip fractures among osteoporotic patients according to the disciplines of neurology and environmental epidemiology.
Background: The complexity of risk factors associated with falls and hip fractures among Canadians with osteoporosis poses a distinct challenge in injury prevention. In addition, frequent hospitalizations for hip fractures have contributed to the economic burden faced by the Canadian health care system. An interdisciplinary approach provides the possibility of developing a more profound understanding of the determinants of falls causing osteoporotic hip fractures.
Methods: The disciplines of neurology and environmental epidemiology were selected and critiqued following methods and techniques to establish an interdisciplinary understanding. A literature search was conducted to compare determinants of osteoporotic hip fractures caused by falls in regards to the neurological and environmental epidemiology disciplines. Five databases: Medline, Psycho INFO, CINAHL, Embase, and Scopus were used in the literature search from 1974 through to December 2012.
Discussion: The discipline of neurology provides insight on the role of neurological diseases and the association with falls. Environmental epidemiology provides insight on environmental exposures related to falls. Common ground was established using integrative techniques and the creation of a new interdisciplinary model.
Conclusion: An integrated understanding of what causes falls can be achieved by redefining concepts through the combination of disciplinary insights from neurology and environmental epidemiology. Further investigation into other disciplines can contribute to an interdisciplinary understanding of the determinants of hip fractures.