Blunt chest trauma in the elderly

Robert M. Shorr, Aurelio Rodriguez, Matthew C. Indeck, Michael D. Crittenden, Susan Hartunian, R. Adams Cowley

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

99 Scopus citations

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.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)234-237
Number of pages4
JournalJournal of Trauma - Injury, Infection and Critical Care
Volume29
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - Feb 1989

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