Age as a Determinant of Early Mortality and Disposition after Fractures of the Acetabulum

Abstract

Background: The purpose of our study was to assess the effect of age on early mortality and disposition of patients with acetabular fractures.
Methods: A retrospective chart review from a Trauma Registry at a level one trauma center for all patients admitted with acetabular fractures from July 1993 to March 2001 was carried out.
Results: Data were compared for 42 patients who met the criteria for Group I (mean age 74.7 years) and 489 patients who compromised Group II (mean age 35.1 years). Patients with fatal outcomes, those who required rehabilitation hospital admission, and with conditions that prevented discharge to home were 9.25 (95 % CI 3.74-22.68), 4.07 (95 % CI 2.13-7.71), and 2.78 (95 % CI 1.14-6.72) times more likely to be aged 65 years and above, respectively.
Conclusions: Patients who expired, required rehabilitation/hospital admission, and were unable to be discharged home, were all more likely to be at least 65 years of age.

Acetabular fracture - functional independence - elderly

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