Year: 2019
Type: article
Abstract: 17.3%; 95% CI, 13.8%-20.7%),although the upper extremity was the most frequently fractured region overall (52.1%; 95% CI, 48.1%-56.1%);28.7% of patients (95% CI, 23.7%-33.8%)required hospital admission.Discussion | To our knowledge, this study is the first to identify and characterize leash-dependent dog walking as an activity that imparts a significant and rising injury risk in older adults.The gravity of this burden is exemplified by the hip being most frequently fractured, because this injury is associated with long-term decreases in quality of life and functional capabilities, as well as mortality rates approaching 30%.5 Combined with the sex disparity in injury burden, older women considering dog ownership must be made aware of this risk.Clinicians may play a role in identifying at-risk patients and minimizing fracture risk by advocating for preventive actions, such as obedience training to ensure dogs do not lunge while leashed, or suggesting smaller dog breeds for individuals contemplating ownership.6 The study has limitations.Despite the validated nature of the source database, our findings likely underestimate the morbidity associated with elderly Americans walking leashed dogs: only emergency department cases are contained within the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System, and our analysis excluded less severe, nonfracture injuries.Moreover, the database does not include comparative dog sizes, cases requiring operative intervention, or disposition after discharge; future research may clarify the consequences of these variables.This study draws attention to an activity that can result in significant injury.For older adults-especially those living alone and with decreased bone mineral density-the risks associated with walking leashed dogs merit consideration.Even one such injury could result in a potentially lethal hip fracture, lifelong complications, or loss of independence.
Source: JAMA Surgery
Language: English
Subfield: Gender Studies
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: bronze
OpenAlex ID: W2915414947