Osteoarticular infections: a specific program for older patients?

Area of Science:

• Geriatric Medicine
• Infectious Diseases
• Orthopedics

Background:

• Osteoarticular infections (OAI) are expected to increase globally due to a growing elderly population, rising rates of arthroplasties, fractures, and diabetic foot infections.
• The frail elderly population presents unique challenges in managing OAI.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the existing scientific literature on osteoarticular infections (OAI) specifically within the frail elderly population.
• To compare OAI in elderly patients (over 65 years) with average adults (18-65 years).

Main Methods:

• A comprehensive literature search was conducted.
• The search linked osteoarticular infections (OAIs) to geriatric patients.
• Elderly patients (> 65 years) were compared with average adults (18-65 years).

Main Results:

• Literature is sparse regarding financial aspects, comparative therapy outcomes, reimbursement, and specific guidelines for OAI in the elderly.
• Age was not an independent factor for specific pathogens, prevention, nursing care, or OAI outcomes.
• Geriatric patients experienced more adverse events, had more comorbidities, and underwent more conservative surgery for OAI.

Conclusions:

• There is a notable lack of literature on osteoarticular infection (OAI) management in elderly patients.
• Chronological age does not appear to be an independent determinant of OAI epidemiology, pathogens, prevention, nursing care, rehabilitation, or therapeutic outcomes.
• Future research should focus on more conservative surgical approaches and reducing antibiotic overuse in OAI management for the elderly.