ORTHOPEDIC INJURIES AMONG ELDERLY PERSONS

FREQUENCY AND ASSESSMENT OF THE RISK FACTORS

Abstract

Background: Pakistan is experiencing a rise in its elderly population leading to increase burden of orthopedic injuries. With meager resources and a poor understanding of elderly health problems; Pakistan faces many challenges in caring for its elderly population. Objectives: The objectives of this study were to, “Assess the frequency of orthopedic injuries among elderly persons and the associated risk factors at Sheikh Zayed Medical College/ Hospital Rahim Yar Khan”. Study design and duration: This was an analytical observational study conducted among the elderly patients above the age of 60 years, admitted in the Orthopedic Department of Sheikh Zayed Medical College/ Hospital Rahim Yar Khan. Methodology: The data was collected regarding the frequency, causes and pattern of orthopedic injuries in elderly patients admitted in the Orthopedic Department of Sheikh Zayed Hospital / Medical College Rahim Yar Khan. The data regarding age, sex, education, occupation, geographical origin, and mechanism of injury were obtained by questionnaire. The data was analyzed on SPSS version 16. Results: There were total 1589 patients admitted in the Orthopedic Unit during the study period. The elderly persons above the age of 60 years were 291(18.31%). There were 184(63.24%) males and 107(36.76%) females. The average age was 64.52 years in urban residents and 66.34 years in rural residents’ patients. Among the frequency of injuries, the femoral neck and inter-trochanter region were most commonly involved. The proportion of injuries in males it was 44.02% and in females it was higher that was 49.53%. The majority (68.29%) of the elderly persons was dependent and was not satisfied with socio-economic condition and status in the family (p < 0.000). Conclusions: Elderly patients who have experienced trauma are at increased risk of subsequent injury. Interventions to reduce the likelihood of trauma recurrence should focus on those with chronic illnesses and functional impairments.