Abstract:

Introduction: The lessening in the functions of body by aging increases traumatic injury risk. Materials and Method: The cases of the age 65 and over, who referred to Kırıkkale High Specialization Hospital Emergency Service, between January 2007-June 2009, and had undergone forensic trauma were evaluated from the points of sex, age, monthly cumulative distribution, cause of trauma, way of transferring, pathologies, Glasgow coma scale, follow up duration, rates of hospitalization and mortality. Results: Of the 224 cases, 155 (69.2%) were male and 69 (30.8%) were female. The range of age was 65-98. Most of the cases occurred between 5th-8th months. Motor-vehicle accident was the most frequent cause. 178 (79.5%) cases were taken to hospital by private automobiles. Soft tissue injury was the most frequent pathology. The mean score of Glasgow coma was 14.5 ± 1.6. The follow up duration time was 4.8 ± 2.2 hours. 38 (17%) cases were hospitalized and followed 5.4 ± 3.5 days. 8 cases (3.6%) were died. Conclusion: After comprehensive physical examination, the necessary tests of geriatric trauma patients should be done and the follow up should be prolonged. Also, it is necessary not to avoid hospitalization that should be kept under control during the follow up and early period.

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