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Subclinical Peroneal Neuropathy: A Common, Unrecognized, and Preventable Finding Associated With a Recent History of Falling in Hospitalized Patients
Susan E. Mackinnon , and colleagues
Background Identifying risk factors for falling is key to reducing the incidence of falls. Subclinical peroneal neuropathy (SCPN), a condition which causes foot drop that can lead to tripping and falling, is preventable and treatable. This study examines the prevalence of SCPN in hospitalized adults and its association with falling.
What This Study Found In this study of 100 hospital inpatients, nearly one-third of patients at risk for falling have subclinical peroneal neuropathy (SCPN). Patients with SCPN are nearly five times as likely to have fallen in the past year than those without the condition.
Implications
- Screening for SCPN, implementing preventive measures, and treating the disorder may help reduce the incidence of falls in hospitalized and recently discharged patients.