Common Injuries
Most Common Injuries
in G60 trauma patients
Our G60 team has seen a wide variety of injuries in our patients. Many of which are related to their active lifestyle we are seeing in our G60 population. With advancement in medical treatments and public education on healthy lifestyle choices, many adults 60 years and older actively engage in social events and sports related activities.
View Graphic of Common Injuries
Ground level falls (GLF) are becoming the most common causes of injury and can result in hip, leg, arm and facial fractures. Conditions which make the bones more brittle as we age, such as osteoporosis, can make a simple fall a life changing event. Osteoporosis is a condition which primarily effects women and can impair healing. Patients may be placed on calcium and vitamin supplements to assist in healing.
Other common trauma injuries include Motor Vehicle / Motorcycle Collision and sports related injuries. Causes of these injuries could be related to but not limited to; vision impairment, hearing impairment and distraction (for example, using a cellphone while driving or walking).
Injury Prevention
is of utmost importance
Prevention of injury is of the utmost importance for people of any age, but is more important as we get older because the severity and consequences of that injury increase exponentially with age. Not engaging is risk-taking behavior such as excessive alcohol, polypharmacy, distracted driving or cell phone use cannot be over-stated. To protect yourself from fall and injury, a review of some common causes can be done in your home:
Area rugs are common causes of slips and trips. Be sure they have non-skid backing and are free of curled edges. Review placement of rugs to determine if they are necessary and properly located.
Place bells on dogs and cats and watch for them at all times.
Repair or flag uneven steps or sidewalks so they are noticed.
Use a cane or walking stick when hiking for added support.
Clean spills readily from tile and wooden floors to reduce slip hazards.
Unintentional Injury/Death
optimize your state of health
Patients over 60 tend to be more susceptible to injury from mechanisms of trauma and a significant number of patients may be less likely to return to their premorbid status.
Depending on the severity of the trauma, patients are at higher risk for disability and mortality. This is so because of other contributing factors such as chronic diseases and their overall health.
The G60 program aims at offering a treatment plan to optimize your state of health and morbidity. All patients, especially patients over the age of 60, need advanced directives to assist with care decisions.