Geriatric Trauma

Abstract

The geriatric trauma population continues to grow as life expectancy and unintentional injury increase. Age-related physiologic changes and complex comorbidities may not only lead to injury but also may precipitate a downward spiral. The injury patterns, presentation of life-threatening injury, and response to injury are unique in the elderly trauma population, and dedicated evaluation of elderly trauma patients at a trauma center may be beneficial. Aggressive, early intervention with a focus on geriatric-specific needs and care coordination are an integral part of the management to reduce morbidity and mortality. Much of the unintentional injuries may be preventable with identification of risk factors for falls and fall prevention programs. Frailty measurements may be used to predict morbidity and functional status. Surgeons must become familiar with geriatric-specific issues and how best to treat the geriatric trauma population.  This review contains 3 figures, 2 tables, and 133 references. Key Words: care coordination, elderly, frailty, geriatric, injury, prevention, risk factors, trauma, triage