Ladder fall injuries: patterns and cost of morbidity

Ladder fall injuries are associated with a wide spectrum of injury patterns. However, the healthcare cost of these injuries is unknown. The aim of this study was to determine the healthcare cost and duration of the morbidity associated with ladder fall injuries. A retrospective observational study involving patients with ladder injuries who presented to a Level 1 Trauma Centre over a 3-year period was performed. Patients then underwent a structured telephone interview to provide information about the duration of their disability and unemployment. There were 72 patients in the study, of whom 89% were male. Thirteen patients (18%) required hospital admission. The median length and cost of hospital stay was 1 week and 3555 (US$ 3950), respectively. The median duration of disability and unemployment was 6 weeks. The longest duration of disability was associated with foot fractures. The majority of patients fell between 5 and 10 ft, and fell at work. The upper extremity was the most commonly injured anatomical region. There were no fatalities. Ladder injury falls are expensive to the health service and may warrant investment in their prevention. (C) 2003 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.