A study published in the American Journal of Emergency Medicine reported that every year, more than 3 million persons aged 65 and older need emergency room treatment for falls-related injuries. Skull fractures are a dangerous outcome of head trauma, which is the most frequent cause of serious injury. According to the 2016 National Trauma Database annual report, women account for 58% of all falls.

In the study, researchers evaluated acute skull fractures by sex, patient race/ethnicity, and mode of injury. Out of 5,402 patients who enrolled, 56% were female and 44% were male. 85% of head injuries were seen among all racial/ethnic groups and injury mechanisms. The mean ages for males and females were 82.8 and 81.1 years, respectively.

Findings of the study revealed that when geriatric males and females were compared, males had a considerably higher incidence of secondary skull fracture from head trauma, usually from falls. Although prior studies have shown that females are more prone to facial fractures, this result came as a surprise. 

In light of the fact that the elderly population continues to lead active lifestyles, experts expressed alarm about the high prevalence of head injuries and subsequent skull fractures caused by falls. Fall prevention may be a crucial strategy to take into account in order to reduce morbidity, as falls were the leading cause of head injuries and subsequent skull fractures. 

Although fall prevention education can be handled in primary care settings or at elderly living facilities, the emergency room may also present a chance to inform patients and stop future falls-related death and disability in this population.

 (Source: https://theprint.in/health/men-over-65-are-at-higher-risk-of-skull-fractures-from-falls-than-women-study/1428583/)