Citation

Shorr RM, Rodriguez A, Indeck MC, Crittenden MD, Hartunian S, Cowley RA. J. Trauma 1989; 29(2): 234-237.

Affiliation

Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems, Baltimore.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1989, Lippincott Williams and Wilkins)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

2918564

Abstract

Significant differences were identified between a group of elderly patients (65 years and older) and a nonelderly group both with blunt thoracic trauma. There was a lower incidence of elderly patients presenting in shock; however, cardiopulmonary arrest at arrival was more frequent in this group. Although the types of complications were similar in both populations, the morbidity and mortality rates were higher in the elderly. A high index of suspicion must be generated for an elderly patient who has sustained blunt chest trauma. An aggressive diagnostic and therapeutic approach may lead to a decrease in the high morbidity and mortality rates in the elderly.