Geriatric trauma - epidemiology and outcome at Cedarcrest Hospitals, Abuja, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Trauma is a major public health problem with huge economic and social implications. Old age and co-morbidities generally affect the outcome of traumatic injuries in elderly patients, and the impact of trauma on elderly patients has generally been overlooked.

Objective: To describe the epidemiology and outcome of trauma on elderly patients.

Design: This was a retrospective study that was conducted at Cedarcrest Hospitals, Abuja, Nigeria.

Method: Data were collected from the electronic medical records for all patients aged 65 years and above who visited the emergency department as a result of traumatic injuries.

Results: A total of 82 patients were recruited for the study. The prevalence of geriatric trauma was 4.9%, and fall was the commonest mechanism of injury (67.1%). Ninety eight point eight percent had a revised trauma score of 12 while the injury severity score ranged from 1 to 15.

Conclusion: Geriatric trauma is relatively common in our environment and efforts should be made to prevent falls in the elderly.