Bridging geriatrics and trauma: Evidence-based care for falls in older adults

Incidence of falls-related trauma in the older adult is exponentially increasing and requires a multidisciplinary approach at all stages of the encounter to optimise patient outcome. Orthogeriatric services bridge the gap between the older person, their acute presentation, and their chronic frailty and bone fragility. Despite improvements of fragility fracture pathways between surgical and medical teams, significant gaps of knowledge and communication remain. These gaps manifest as missed opportunities to address crucial medical issues, therapy needs, and bone health management in this vulnerable population. Here, we discuss themes to consider when approaching an older person at high falls risk or when presenting post-fall. We emphasise the importance of delirium prevention, appreciation of frailty, and initiating bone fragility assessment and therapy in this vulnerable demographic.