Table 1

Characteristics of 100 Consecutively Admitted Medial Inpatients Aged 70 Years or Younger Deemed at Moderate to High Risk of Falling

CharacteristicNo Peroneal Neuropathy (n = 33)Subclinical Peroneal Neuropathy (n = 67) P Value
1 Positive Finding (n = 36)≥2 Positive Findings (n = 31)
Age, median (IQR), y50 (37–64)57 (50–64)60 (50–63).30
Female, No. %18 (55)22 (61)19 (61).82
Vertigo, dizziness, balance disorder, No. %15 (45)13 (36)25 (81)a.01
Impaired vision, No. %7 (21)7 (19)10 (32).43
Osteoarthritis, No. %6 (18)14 (39)14 (45.2).06
Stroke, No. %5 (15)7 (19)5 (16).88
Recent significant weight loss, No. %6 (18)11 (30)6 (19).40
Diabetes, No. %8 (24)10 (28)13 (42).20
Peripheral neuropathy, No. %13 (39)13 (36)19 (61).09
Heart disease, No. %9 (27)9 (25)12 (39).44
Prior leg surgery, No. %3 (9)11 (31)7 (23).09
Prior low back surgery, No. %1 (3)5 (14)5 (16).19
Johns Hopkins Fall Risk score, median (IQR)a6 (6–9)8 (6–11)9 (7–11)b.02

  • Note: χ2 or Kruskal-Wallis H, and Wilcoxan rank sum post-hoc used as appropriate.

  • ↵a Ranging from 0 to 35, where a score of <6 = low risk, 6 to 13 = moderate risk, and >13 = high risk.

  • ↵b Significant difference from no peroneal neuropathy.