[Falls in the elderly: think about cervical fracture!].
Cervical spine fractures are not uncommon in the geriatric population. Lower energy injuries could be responsible, like a simple fall. After an injury, a fracture should always be suspected in patients who complain of cervical tenderness, until proven otherwise. Simple and easily applicable guidelines, such as the NEXUS rules that has been validated in the elderly, could help to achieve a correct diagnosis. Most often, cervical immobilization by rigid collars is an adequate therapy and allows a satisfactory functional recovery.
Morisod
J
J
Centre hospitalier du Chablais, Centre de gériatrie du Bas-Valais, Clinique St-Amé, 1890 St-Maurice. jerome.morisod@rsv-gnw.ch
Coutaz
M
M
D000058:Accidental Falls; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002574:Cervical Vertebrae / Q000293:injuries*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016103:Spinal Fractures / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy