Frailty Is Associated With Worse Outcomes In Geriatric Pelvic Fractures

Lindsey Perea, Launick Saint Fort, Madison E Morgan, Catherine Ting Brown, Steadman Wang, Eric Bradburn

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Frail, geriatric patients with pelvic fractures can present differently than non-frail patients. Using the Clinical Frailty Scale(CFS), a retrospective analysis was conducted to determine the relationship between patients’ CFS and outcomes after pelvic fractures. We hypothesized that frail, geriatric trauma patients defined as a CFS>4 with pelvic fractures have worse outcomes than non-frail patients with a CFS≤4 despite similar injuries. All geriatric patients with pelvic fractures and documented CFS were included. Seventy patients were included, with 59% (n = 41) frail. The groups were compared with no difference in mortality. The frail group was older and were most likely discharged to a skilled nursing facility (65.8%). Non-frail were most likely discharged to acute rehab (52%). Frail had lower functional status at discharge (median: 14.5v.16, P = .015). Frail patients had worse overall outcomes in this analysis of geriatric pelvic fracture patients. Special attention should focus on this vulnerable population to ensure optimal treatment and outcomes.
Original languageAmerican English
JournalThe American surgeon
Volume88
DOIs
StatePublished - Mar 2022

Disciplines

  • Geriatrics
  • Surgery

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