Study Reveals Dangers of Walkers and Canes

July 2009

Attention seniors – a new study suggests that walkers and canes may actually cause many of the falls they are supposed to prevent. According to a new study from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 47,000 elderly patients go to the emergency room every year in the United States to treat injuries caused by walkers and canes.

The CDC study found that walkers were involved in 87 percent of fall injuries in patients ages 65 and older, and canes were involved in 12 percent. Sixty percent of the falls with canes and walkers occurred in the home, while 16 percent involving a cane took place at nursing homes. The most common injuries were abrasions, bruises, and fractures.

The CDC focused on almost 4,000 patients over the age of 65 who were treated in an ER for nonfatal falls involving a walker or cane. The study authors said that doctors should consider taking more time to show patients how to use walkers, and additional research could lead to design improvements in walking aids.