Standard Operating Procedures in Geriatric Polytrauma

Due to the ever-increasing elderly population worldwide, the incidence of geriatric (poly-) trauma patients will continue to rise for many years to come. In contrast to younger patients, low-energy trauma, such as a fall from standing height, may lead to severe injury in geriatric patients. Outcomes in geriatric patients differ significantly from those of younger patients due to reduced physiological compensation mechanisms and increased frailty. The current ATLS® guidelines do not discern between the initial management of elderly and young trauma patients. Further, most geriatric standard operating procedures (SOPs) address isolated, minor injuries such as femoral neck fractures or osteoporotic spine injuries. Other SOPs such as delirium prophylaxis, osteoporosis therapy and nutrition address geriatric inpatient care after the patient reaches the medical ward However, in the setting of multiple injured geriatric patients, treatment protocols are lacking. Geriatric SOPs addressing triage to the ICU and optimized treatment in the ICU should be developed