Pelvic fracture in the elderly is associated with increased mortality

Abstract Objective. The elderly population is currently the fastest growing sector in America. The purpose of this study was to examine the age-related outcome in patients after blunt pelvic injury. Methods. All patients admitted with a pelvic fracture during a 5-year period were identified from the trauma registry. Data retrieval included: demographics, shock (BP P Results. Three hundred five patients sustained a pelvic fracture (young [n = 248, 81.3%]; elderly [n = 57, 18.7%]). The only predictor of mortality was age. The 2 groups differed by gender (elderly = 54.4% females; young = 62.5% males) but not frequency of shock, ISS, or AIS for head, chest, and abdomen. Motor vehicle collision was the most common mechanism of injury (elderly = 68.4%; young = 73.8%). Lateral compression was the most common fracture pattern in both groups (elderly = 54.4%; young = 45.6%). There was no difference in transfusion (elderly = 2.5 ± 0.7 vs young = 2.0 ± 0.3; ns) but the elderly group was more frequently admitted to the ICU (elderly = 61.4% vs young = 46.8%; P =.065). Significantly more of the elderly group had a diagnosis of cardiovascular disease (43.9% vs 10.1%, P P Conclusion. Elderly patients sustaining a pelvic fracture were more likely to have a lateral compression fracture pattern, longer hospital LOS, and die despite aggressive resuscitation. This difference in outcome should help trauma surgeons recognize that the elderly patient sustaining a pelvic fracture is at increased risk of death. (Surgery 2002;132:710-5.)