Geriatric trauma: review and recommendations.
Although the elderly make up about 12% of the US population, they account for nearly 33% of health care resources expended on trauma. A review of the literature in the area of geriatric trauma revealed a number of factors that influence the likelihood of injury in the elderly population. These include age-related changes in postural stability, balance, motor strength, and coordination that may predispose individuals to falls and other accidents. It is important to have a high index of suspicion for injury and a low threshold for invasive monitoring and transfer to an intensive care setting. Considerations in the care of elderly trauma patients include comorbid conditions, pre-injury medications, reduced physiologic reserve, and the physical changes of aging.
Wright
A S
AS
Department of Surgery, University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics, 600 Highland Ave, Madison, WI 53792, USA.
Schurr
M J
MJ
D000058:Accidental Falls / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D017677:Age Distribution; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D004638:Emergency Treatment / Q000379:methods*; D015577:Geriatric Assessment; D006801:Humans; D011322:Primary Prevention / Q000379:methods; D012307:Risk Factors; D017751:Safety Management / Q000379:methods; D014194:Traumatology / Q000379:methods*; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology; D014947:Wounds and Injuries / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology* / Q000517:prevention & control*