Geriatric Snowmobile Trauma: Longer Courses After Similar Injuries

Snowmobiling is a popular activity that leads to geriatric trauma admissions; however, this unique trauma population is not well characterized. We aimed to compare the injury burden and outcomes for geriatric versus nongeriatric adults injured riding snowmobiles.

A retrospective cohort study was performed using the National Trauma Databank comparing nongeriatric (18-64) and geriatric adults (≥65) presenting after snowmobile-related trauma at level 1 and 2 trauma centers from 2011 to 2015. Demographic, admission, injury, and outcome data were collected and compared. A multivariate logistic regression model assessed for risk factors associated with severe injury (Injury Severity Score >15). Analysis was also performed using chi square, analysis of variance, and Kruskal-Wallis testing.

A total of 2471 adult patients with snowmobile trauma were identified; 122 (4.9%) were geriatric. Rates of severe injury (Injury Severity Score >15) were similar between groups, 27.5% in geriatric patients and 22.5% in nongeriatric adults (P = 0.2). Geriatric patients experienced higher rates of lower extremity injury (50.4 versus 40.3%, P = 0.03), neck injury (4.1 versus 1.4%, P = 0.02), and severe spine injury (20.6 versus 7.0%, P = 0.004). Geriatric patients had longer hospitalizations (5 versus 3 d, P < 0.0001), rates of discharge to a facility (36.8% versus 12%, P < 0.0001), and higher mortality (4.1 versus 0.6%, P < 0.0001). Geriatric age did not independently increase the risk for severe injury.

Geriatric age was not a significant predictor of severe injury after snowmobile trauma; however, geriatric patients suffered unique injuries, had longer hospitalizations, had higher rates of discharge to a facility, and had higher mortality. Tailored geriatric care may improve outcomes in this unique sport-related trauma population.