Silver Trauma- a true challenging entity

Abstract

Historically trauma has been identified as the leading cause of death in the younger under 40’s population ⁽¹⁾. However, with an aging population there is a higher incidence of trauma sustained in the elderly population. Silver trauma is defined as elderly patient of retirement age or over the age of 65 years. This has been taken into consideration when trauma guidelines have been incorporated. To name a few examples, the CCSR (Canadian C-spine rule) includes the at-risk population as those >/= 65 years of age in the context of potential cervical spine injury. In various major trauma trial tools, the >65 years of age group are considered to be a high risk of deteoriation group. Through clinical practice clinicians have noted that in this group of patients’ injuries can be missed which would be detrimental to the overall outcome of these patients.

Through this article I aim to highlight the main issues that make the initial management of the elderly trauma patient at times challenging. Furthermore, suggestion for potential management strategies will also be highlighted.