Trauma: Trauma in Geriatrics

General

• Mechanism of Injury:
  • Ground Level Fall – Most Common
  • MVC – Second Most Common
• Five Times Higher Mortality than Younger Patients

Predicting Outcome

• Injury Severity Score (ISS) is the Best Overall Predictor of Outcomes
• Admission GCS is a Poor Predictor of Outcome
• Physiologic Age (Affected by Chronic Comorbidities) is a Better Predictor than Chronologic Age

Ground Level Falls (GLF)

• Falls from Standing or Sitting
• Higher Morbidity & Mortality than in Young
• Risk Factors:
  • History of Falls – Most Important Risk Factor
  • Physical Deconditioning
  • Gait Disturbance or Peripheral Neuropathy
  • Medical Comorbidities or Medications Causing Orthostatic Hypotension or Syncope
  • Home Hazards (Uneven Surfaces, Lack of Stair/Bathroom Handrails, Poor Lighting or Tripping Hazards)
• Age Itself is NOT a Risk Factor for Falls
• Most Common in Females
• Higher Mortality in Males