Abstract
Geriatric trauma is becoming an increasingly important facet of trauma care. There is insufficient evidence to make any conclusions on the optimal triage guidelines for the geriatric trauma patient. There is a preponderance of evidence to suggest that elderly trauma patients have a higher level of injury-related mortality than their younger counterparts. Geriatric trauma patients are more likely to present in shock than younger patients matched for trauma and injury severity score. The only randomized trial of resuscitation in geriatric trauma patients was in hip fracture patients. Lactate levels provide better insight into the perfusion status of geriatric trauma patients. Geriatric trauma remains a significant cause of morbidity and mortality. In addition, geriatric trauma patients may present atypically and a heightened level of suspicion, starting with appropriate triage to a trauma center and continuing throughout the spectrum of care, is the only way to reduce the risk of poor outcomes.