Pattern of Upper Limb Fractures Following Falls Among Elderly Women in Calabar, Cross River State

Falls in the elderly are a leading cause of upper limb fractures, resulting in significant disability and reduced quality of life, particularly among postmenopausal women with underlying osteoporosis. This descriptive cross-sectional study documents the pattern of upper limb fractures following falls in women aged 55 years and above presenting to orthopaedic services in Calabar, Cross River State, South South Nigeria. Data will be collected from University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH) and Calabar General Hospital over a nine-month period. Variables to be captured include patient age, fracture site (distal radius, proximal humerus, clavicle), mechanism of fall, surface of fall, bone mineral density status, comorbidities, and previous fracture history. Descriptive analysis and Pearson correlation will be applied. The study expects distal radial fractures to constitute the most prevalent injury pattern. Findings will be submitted to the orthopaedic departments at both facilities and to the Cross River State Ministry of Women Affairs to guide community fall prevention and bone health programmes. This study contributes to the evidence base for geriatric orthopaedic epidemiology in South South Nigeria and supports the integration of osteoporosis screening into primary health services for older women. Keywords: upper limb fractures, falls, elderly women, Calabar, osteoporosis.