Factors influencing bone fractures in severely disabled persons.

OBJECTIVES

Factors affecting bone fracture in severely disabled persons were evaluated.

DESIGN

Bone mineral density was measured, and the ratio against the average values in healthy subjects was calculated. Seventy-three subjects were selected from among 113 inpatients with severe mental and physical handicaps. The subjects were classified into four levels of mobility.

RESULTS

Multiple logistic regression analysis was conducted to determine the contribution of variables to the history of bone fracture. Age, medication of sodium valproate, and bone mineral density percentage were found to significantly affect bone fracture.

CONCLUSIONS

Increase of bone mineral density is the protective or preventive factor in bone fracture.