1850 Dogs and Bones

Abstract

Abstract Introduction The health benefits of owning dogs include improved physical activity, mental well-being, companionship, and so forth. However, musculoskeletal injuries caused by dog-related activities might negate the aforementioned benefits. The aim of this study was to estimate the number of femoral fractures directly linked to dog-related activities in people above the age of 60. Methods In this observational study, we included all patients above the age of 60 with femoral fractures caused by dog-related activities, over a one-year period (June 2022 to May 2023). We chose to include people above the age of 60 because they are more likely to have a fragility fracture and are entered in the National Hip Fracture Database. Results 387 patients (above the age of 60) were admitted with femoral fractures during the study period. Of these, 16 were directly related to dog-related activities. The common mechanisms of injuries include being tripped, pulled down and jumped over by a dog, and tangled and tripped by the dog leash. Conclusion 4% of femoral fractures (1 in 25) in people above the age of 60 were caused by dog-related activities. This is probably an underestimate, because some owners may not have volunteered this information out of love for their dogs and inadequate history regarding the circumstances that led to the fall. Despite the injuries, all patients still loved their dogs and wanted to go home as soon as possible to be with them. There were more fractures in spring and summer (11) compared to autumn and winter (5) which reflects increased activity with better weather. Having a dog is a risk factor for falls and fractures. We recommend that dog owners carefully consider their choice of dogs and if there are issues with handling them, both dogs and their owners should receive appropriate training.