Falls not just a 70+ risk, women in 60s account for most fracture cases: AIIMS data

New Delhi: Elderly women account for a majority of serious fall-related fractures, with nearly three-fourths of patients treated at a specialised fracture clinic at AIIMS, institute data show.Figures from the Fragility Fracture Liaison Service (FFLS) clinic at the Jai Prakash Narayan Apex Trauma Centre (JPNATC) show that 822 patients were treated between Nov 2023 and Nov 2025. Of these, 596 were women and 226 were men.Doctors said the data highlight the growing burden of osteoporosis-related fragility fractures among elderly women as India’s population ages.Contrary to the perception that such injuries mainly affect the very elderly, the largest share of patients was in the 60-69 age group (33.2%). This was followed by those aged 50-59 (31.6%) and 70-79 (24.9%).The clinic, headed by Prof Vijay Sharma of the dept of orthopaedics, found that hip fractures were the most common injury, accounting for 330 cases (40.1%). Wrist fractures followed with 203 cases, followed by shoulder (84), spine (46) and other fractures involving the foot and hand.Falls were the leading cause of injuries among senior citizens. Poor balance emerged as the main risk factor, accounting for over half the cases, followed by slipping.The data also point to the severity of these injuries, with around 41% of patients requiring surgery.Doctors said treatment costs, rehabilitation and long-term follow-up remain key challenges in managing elderly trauma patients.The clinic also noted that cases tend to rise between May and July each year, though no major increase in overall trauma cases was recorded during the two-year period.AIIMS doctors said early treatment and rehabilitation are critical to prevent long-term disability. Timely surgery and early mobilisation help patients recover faster, avoid complications and regain independence.The clinic has also focused on prevention. Doctors said greater awareness about osteoporosis and fall prevention has helped reduce repeat falls and dependency among patients.Prof Kamran Farooque, chief of AIIMS Trauma Centre, said India is seeing a rise in geriatric orthopaedic trauma as life expectancy increases.“Fragility fractures linked to osteoporosis are becoming more common among the elderly. As the population ages, such injuries will account for a larger share of trauma cases. We need a holistic approach that focuses not only on treatment but also on prevention, home safety, rehabilitation and osteoporosis management,” he said.Doctors added that measures such as improving balance, making homes safer, screening for osteoporosis and seeking timely care after a fall can reduce the risk of disability and loss of independence.