A profile of geriatric trauma in southeastern Wisconsin

The purpose of this study was to profile geriatric trauma in southeastern Wisconsin, including injury mechanisms, severity of injury, outcome, hospital lengths of stay, and total cost. We conducted a retrospective chart review of trauma victims over age 65 admitted to the Milwaukee County Medical Complex between July 1991 and October 1992. Cases were excluded if the patients had sustained isolated head or orthopedic injuries, thermal burns, or penetrating trauma. A total of 65 cases were studied. The population had a mean age of 75.8 +/- 8.2 years; 53.8% were women and 46.2% were men. The leading mechanisms of injury were in decreasing order were motor vehicle crashes, falls, and auto-pedestrian injuries. The mortality rate was 29.2%. The mean length of stay in the hospital was 13.5 days. The total charge was approximately $1.3 million dollars. Motor vehicle crashes accounted for 61.5% of injuries. Safety devices and driver awareness programs may be under used in this population. The mortality rate is high with a moderate level of injury severity.