[The orthopedic-geriatric unit: a new model of hospital care]

We describe here the basic characteristics and operative modalities of the acute care orthopedic-geriatric unit, an innovative model of health care for elderly trauma patients. This new unit offers several advantages over traditional models: decreased patient mortality and length of hospital stay, a lower incidence of complications, and less need for specialist consultations. No particular organizational or management problems have arisen, and the cost/benefit ratio is very low. This model has also become a valuable teaching tool and a rich source of pathophysiological and clinical data for geriatric research.