Have outcomes improved in trauma patients age 90 years and older over the past decade: Experience at a level II trauma center

Introduction

Managing trauma in the elderly is challenging and requires a multidisciplinary team approach. The aim of this study is to characterize and compare outcomes in patients 90 years and older in the last two decades.

Methods

Retrospective review of trauma patients 90 years and older admitted from 1996 to 2015. The patients were divided into two groups: Early Decade (ED) and Late Decade (LD).

Results

A total of 1697 patients were recorded, 551 (ED) and 1146 (LD). The mean age was 92.92?±?8(90–108)ED] and 92.9?±?2.7(90–105)LD] years. The most common mechanism and type of injury was falls and extremity trauma. Hospital length of stay (LOS) was shorter in the LD. There was no significant difference in in-hospital mortality or ICU LOS.

Conclusion

Trauma admission has increased in the last decade. However, in-hospital mortality remains low. It is important for multidisciplinary teams to allocate resources to treat this elderly population.