Changing Injury Pattern in Geriatric Admissions in a Level-1 Trauma Center.

Area of Science:

• Geriatric Trauma
• Epidemiology of Injury
• Public Health and Pandemics

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic significantly altered societal activities, potentially influencing trauma incidence.
• Falls and motor vehicle injuries (MVA) are leading causes of trauma admissions in older adults.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the frequency and outcomes of falls and MVAs in older adults admitted to a Level-1 Trauma Center before and during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• To identify changes in injury patterns and complications associated with these trauma types.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of trauma admissions for patients aged 65 and older from January 2017 to February 2023.
• Data included admissions due to falls and MVAs, comparing pre-pandemic and pandemic periods.

Main Results:

• Falls occurred with similar frequency pre- and during the pandemic, while MVA admissions decreased.
• Increased odds of surgical and infectious complications, longer length of stay (LOS), and higher 30-day mortality were observed during the pandemic.
• Thirty-day readmission rates decreased during the pandemic period.

Conclusions:

• Falls and MVAs continue to be primary causes of trauma in older adults, with a notable decline in MVA-related admissions.
• Findings highlight the need for targeted resource allocation and clinical focus on fall-risk and driving assessments for the elderly population.