An Analysis of the Admitted Geriatric Orthopedic Patients Over the Age of 70

Lee, Han Koo; Lee, Sang Hoon; Lee, Kwang Hyun; Lyu, Suk Joo; Kim, Yong Min

Abstract

The geriatric population tends to increase, worldwidely, and the same in orthopedic fields. In this age group, senile changes, both physical and mental, appear. In addition, psychiatric problems due to retirement from the job and changes of the role in his society and in the family, are included. The geriatric orthopedics is peculiar and its importance is increasing, which makes great demands on both medical and surgical skills as well as an enthusiastic teamwork. Fifty six patients over the age of 70, who were admitted and treated at the Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Seoul National University Hospital, between 1986 to 1987, were analysed. The results were as follows. 1. Thirth four patiens were female and twenty two were male. 2. The fracture was the most common cause, and degenerative arthritis, tumor are the next causes. 3. Operation was performed in 38 cases. 4. The associated diseases were hypertension, diabetes, U.T.I., renal failure, poor sight, pulmonary and cardiovascular diseases, which were more common than other age group. 5. Intra or postoperative complications were hypertension, liver function abnormalities, renal and respiratory failures and et al., which were also more common. 6. Old age is a major risk factor for surgery, but is not a contraindication, so careful evaluation and managements are needed, which can be done by specialized geriatric orthopedic team.