[Traumatology in the elderly. Problems from the anesthesiologic point of view]

In order to prevent cardiopulmonary complications, persons injured in an accident should be operated immediately and remobilized afterwards as soon as possible, especially if they are old. Preexistent diseases that could possibly be improved should be treated adequately before operation. Concerning the kind of anaesthesia, for operations of the lower extremities we usually prefer general anaesthesia. Operations of the upper extremities are carried out whenever possible under a subaxillary block. The postoperative treatment on the ICU or a regular ward includes physical therapy and emphasizes early mobilisation of the patient.