[Postural deficits and risk of falling in elderly persons with incipient osteoporosis].

BACKGROUND: Falls and fall-dependent complications represent major problems in geriatrics. Approximately 80-90% of femoral neck fractures in postmenopausal women are caused by falls.

STUDY QUESTION: The goal of this study was to evaluate a new posturographic measurement system (Interactive Balance System, IBS) regarding its potential to predict falls in osteoporotic patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 228 patients admitted for osteodensitometry because of suspected osteoporosis were included in the study. During the baseline investigation, bone density and postural regulation were measured. Over a follow-up period of 12 months, all falls were recorded in a fall diary. Participants with more than two falls per year were classified as persons at high risk of falling.

RESULTS: In patients with confirmed osteoporosis (n=139), the posturographic frequency range F(2-4) was found to be predictive for falls. The ROC analysis of the dependent fall index FIOR(F2-4) showed an AUC value of 0.88.

CONCLUSION: IBS is an effective assessment for fall prediction in osteoporosis. Especially peripheral-vestibular regulation mechanisms seem to be of great importance in the evaluated patient group.