At IBS Hospital, we prioritize the well-being of our elderly patients through specialized geriatric trauma care. Our experienced team is dedicated to addressing the unique needs and challenges of older adults, ensuring their safety and effective recovery. Choose us for exceptional geriatric trauma support and peace of mind.
What is Geriatric Trauma?
Geriatric trauma refers to any injury experienced by older individuals due to accidents or falls. Treating it is trickier due to weaker bodies and how medicines affect us. Doctors focus on both healing and preventing injuries, considering our other health issues. They’ve got us covered in more ways than we think!
What are the various types of Geriatric Traumas?
Fractures and Bone Injuries:
- Fractures due to Fragile Bones: Resulting from osteoporosis or age-related bone weakening, often due to minor falls.
- Hip Fractures: Specific fractures in the upper part of the femur (thigh-bone), typically caused by falls.
- Pelvic Fractures: Fractures in the pelvis region, often resulting from falls or accidents.
- Compression Fractures: Spine fractures occurring in vertebral bodies, often due to weakened bones from osteoporosis.
- Stress Fractures: Small bone cracks fromrepetitive stress or overuse, common in elderly
Joint and Soft Tissue Injuries:
- Dislocations: Joints forced out of their normalm positions due to accidents or falls, leading to pain and limited mobility.
- Contusions and Soft Tissue Injuries: Bruising or damage to soft tissues, muscles, and ligaments from impacts or falls.
Accidents and Falls:
- Road Traffic Accidents: Collisions with vehicles or pedestrians while crossing roads, cycling, or driving.
- Falls from a Height: Occurring when elderly individuals fall from elevated surfaces, such as stairs, ladders, or furniture.
- Tripping while Walking: Injuries from stumbling over obstacles or uneven surfaces while walking.
- Slipping on a Hard Surface: Accidents caused by loss of traction on smooth, hard surfaces like wet floors or icy pavements.
Abuse and Mistreatment:
- Physical Abuse: Intentional harm or injuries due to mistreatment or violence directed towards older adults.
What are the signs of Geriatric Trauma?
Visible Signs of Injury:
- Swelling and Bruising: Swelling and noticeable bruising around the injured area indicate tissue damage and possible internal bleeding.
- Bleeding: External bleeding from an injury can be a sign of tissue damage and should be addressed promptly.
- Visible Dislocation: If a joint appears visibly out of its normal position, it suggests a dislocation, which can cause pain and hinder movement.
Pain and Discomfort:
- Severe Pain: Intense and persistent pain at the site of injury is a common symptom of trauma and may indicate fractures or tissue damage.
- Pain and Discomfort: General discomfortor pain in the affected area could be due tovarious forms of trauma.
- Inflammation and Tenderness: Swelling, redness, and tenderness indicate an inflammatory response to the injury, which may affect nearby tissues.
Loss of Function:
- Inability to move: If the injured area cannot be moved without severe pain or is completely immobile, it suggests a potential fracture or dislocation.
- Loss of consciousness: In cases of severe trauma, loss of consciousness may occur due to head injuries or shock.
What are the common causes of Geriatric Trauma?
- Inability to stop a fall by holding on to something: Older individuals may have reduced reflexes and strength, making it challenging to grab onto objects or surfaces to prevent a fall, leading to potential injuries.
- Inability to respond quickly to protect oneself: With age, reaction times may slow down, making it difficult for seniors to react promptly and take protective measures during accidents or falls.
- Decreased bone density with advancing age: Aging can lead to a decrease in bone density, making bones more fragile and susceptible to fractures even from minor impacts or falls.
- Existing health issues and comorbidities: Pre-existing health conditions like arthritis, diabetes, or heart disease can affect mobility and coordination, increasing the risk of injuries.
- Long-term use of certain medications: Some medications prescribed for chronic conditions can cause dizziness, weakness, or affect coordination, potentially contributing to accidental falls or injuries.
- Problems related to balance and vision: Age-related changes in balance and vision can impact stability and depth perception, increasing the likelihood of falls and accidents.
What factors contribute to Geriatric Trauma risks?
- Environmental Hazards: Uneven surfaces, cluttered spaces, inadequate lighting, and slippery areas increase the chances of falls.
- Footwear and Mobility: Poorly fitting footwear, impaired mobility, and the use of assistive devices can affect stability.
- Medications and Health: Certain medications, cognitive impairment, and existing health conditions can lead to dizziness or impaired coordination.
- Outdoor Conditions: Outdoor hazards like uneven pathways, icy sidewalks, and wet surfaces during bad weather contribute to slips and falls.
- Environmental Obstacles: Environmental obstacles such as door thresholds and raised surfaces pose tripping risks.
- Physical Weakness: Muscle weakness, especially in the lower body, can compromise balance and stability.
- Heavy Lifting and Floor Polishing: Attempting heavy lifting and walking on recently polished floors may increase the risk of falls.
IBS Hospital Empowers Your Treatment with Cutting-edge Technology
We continuously incorporate cutting-edge technologies from around the world into our offerings, such as a surgical system that allows for precise and confident complex procedures. We use magnetic stimulation to treat certain neurological conditions and create personalised brain maps for tailored treatment plans. Nerve monitoring during surgeries ensures the nervous system is not compromised, and a robotic exoskeleton aids in mobility issues. Our goal at IBS Hospital is to provide the best care possible, utilising the latest and most innovative technologies available.
