Trauma in Older Adults

Geriatric trauma, primarily driven by falls, results in disproportionately worse outcomes due to multifactorial vulnerabilities including multi-morbidity, polypharmacy, and social isolation. Trauma surgeon Zara Cooper emphasizes that older adults often present with occult injuries, such as cervical spine fractures or intracranial hemorrhages, which require a low threshold for comprehensive imaging and specialized triage protocols. Because standard vital signs can be misleading—often masked by medications like beta-blockers—clinicians must utilize tools like the shock index to identify occult shock. Effective management necessitates a multidisciplinary approach that integrates geriatric consultation, physical therapy, and medication reconciliation to address underlying frailty. Beyond immediate stabilization, reducing long-term mortality requires proactive discharge planning and environmental interventions to mitigate the high risk of recurrent falls and subsequent loss of independence.