TITLE:
Profile of Geriatric Trauma in a Developing Country
AUTHORS:
Udo E. Anyaehie, Osita Ede, Obiora N. Muoghalu, Gabriel O. Eyichukwu, Emmanuel O. Agbo, Erutase D. Ubiomo, Nnamdi C. Ofodile, Chidinma L. Ngwangwa, Babatunde O. Ojus, Solomon O. Anigbamkpu, Cyprian C. Nganwuchu
KEYWORDS:
Geriatric, Trauma, Developing Country
JOURNAL NAME:
Journal of Biosciences and Medicines,
Vol.10 No.9,
September
19,
2022
ABSTRACT: Geriatric trauma patients require special consideration. They frequently have comorbidities and reduced physiologic reserves, influencing treatment decisions and outcomes. Hence, a comprehensive approach is fundamental to ensure better results. The authors retrospectively evaluated the profile of 332 cases of geriatric trauma over ten years (January 2010-December 2019) at National Orthopaedic Hospital Enugu, in South-East Nigeria. The mean age of patients was 74.78 years (SD = 8.69), with females presenting at a later age than men (76.05 vs 73.69 years), p = 0.013. The commonest mechanism of injury was ground-level fall (47.59%), with proximal femoral fractures being the most common (41.27%). Only 47% of geriatric patients presented to a hospital within 24 hours following injury, and the mean duration of admission was 28 days. Approximately 77% of patients had operative care, and 68.67% expressed satisfaction with the outcome of their management. The mortality rate was 2.11%. In conclusion, most geriatric fractures require surgical intervention and education to facilitate early hospital presentation is needed.