Penetrating injury in the elderly

Abstract

With the increasing average life expectancy, the number of geriatric trauma admission is also increasing. Though most cases are due to blunt trauma, penetrating injuries account for a significant number of admissions. The elderly trauma patient is different from the general population, because of limited physiological reserves and comorbid conditions. This chapter describes the epidemiology and pathophysiology of penetrating trauma in the elderly and emphasizes common pitfalls in the evaluation and management of these patients.