Fractures in the Aged

Abstract

The most common cause of fractures in the elderly is falling.

Urinalysis, hemoglobin determination and a thoracic roentgenogram always should be obtained for the elderly patient with a major fracture. Determination of the sedimentation rate of erythrocytes aids in assessment of the patient for treatment.

Treatment should be selected on an individual basis. Good nursing care is most important, and the patient should be provided with a familiar environment or familiar articles to decrease disorientation and delirium. If surgical intervention is indicated, it should be accomplished with dispatch in accord with good surgical principles.

The physician's obligation to the patient continues after the fracture has healed until the patient is returned to the best possible condition according to the injury sustained.