INVESTIGATION OF TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS IN GERIATRIC AGE GROUP

Introduction: Traffic accidents are more important in the geriatric age group, since the ability to deal with a trauma is weaker in this population. The objective of this study was to evaluate geriatric patients presented to the emergency department (ED) because of injury due to traffic accidents. Materials and Method: A total of 118 geriatric patients (at 65 years of age and older) who presented to to the Emergency Department of a Research and Training Hospital in Ankara between 01/01/2010 and 01/01/2011 were included in the scope of the study. Sociodemographic data and diagnoses and treatment processes of these cases were analyzed. Results: Of the 469 traffic accident cases presented to ED, 118 (25.2%) were in the geriatric age group. The mean age was 73.17 +/- 7.50. Of these cases, 44(37.3%) were femaleand 74 (62.7%) male. When the type of the accident was analyzed, 66 (55.9%) of the injured patients were passengers and 52 (44.1%) were pedestrians. External injuries were found in 88 (74.6%) cases. In total, 114 (96.6%) cases required radiological examination. Two of the cases were found to be dead on arrival, while 5 cases died during the diagnosis and treatment process. Conclusion: Traffic accidents are more important in the elderly, because the ability to deal with a trauma is weaker in this population. It is important to consider this fact during the process of diagnosis, treatment and forensic reporting following traffic accidents.