Prävention von Verletzungen im Alter

Abstract

Injuries in the elderly population have more considerable consequences (more difficult treatment, higher costs,worse outcome) than in the younger population. Therefore, the prevention is especially important. The majority of the injuries are caused by traffic accidents and falls. TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS: An analysis of the current injury situation in elderly road users (65 years and older) involved in road traffic accidents was intended to allow conclusions regarding future prophylaxis. FALLS: Falls are mostly caused by numerous factors. The most important predictors for falls are dementia,Parkinson-Syndrome and neurologic deficits after cerebrovascular insults. The most important symptoms, that indicate an increased risk for fall are gait abnormalities, balance lack and underweight. The most important anamnestic indications are more than one falls in the recent 90 days, need for assistance in daily living and prevailing medication. Another important factor is the residential setting (lighting, stairs, floor conditions,bath installations). The most affective protective interventions involve multiple factors. The incidence of falls could be reduced by 30%. The hip protector is an effective protection against proximal femur fractures. which is the most frequent fracture in the elderly population that requires treatment as an inpatient. Injury prevention in the elderly population is an interdisciplinary task as for example shown by the successful fall clinics in the anglo-american area.

Knee Injuries in Restrained Car Drivers in German Road Traffic Accidents

“…[1][2][3] In recent years, not only has the severity of road crashes reduced but also the frequency and severity of the injuries sustained. This trend reflects progress in crash safety protection design of automobiles.…”

Epidemiologie der hüftgelenksnahen Frakturen

“…Eine weitere Erklärung für die hohe Anzahl an regulären Entlassungen wäre auch eine Fehlkodierung der Entlassungsart (20,32,37). Obwohl in vielen Studien der positive Effekt einer Rehabilitation für die besseren Langzeitergebnisse nach proximalen Femurfrakturen postuliert wurde und eine Empfehlung in den Leitlinien für eine Rehabilitation besteht, erhielten nur wenige Patienten eine direkte stationäre Rehabilitation (27,28,36,38). Im Jahre 1965 betrug die Letalität für proximale Femurfrakturen noch 40 bis 50 Prozent (39).…”

“…B. durch präventive Maßnahmen zu vermindern, so würden auch die Fallzahlen sinken. Mehrere Studien konnten den positiven Effekt von einer adäquaten Osteoporosetherapie sowie der Sturzprophylaxe nachweisen (14,27,28,33,36).…”

Falls Among the Elderly: Multi-factorial Community-based Falls-Prevention Programs

“…The identification and treatment of risk factors for falls other than age is thus of considerable import and among the factors identified as amenable to intervention are a vast array of factors including visual impairments, inappropriate eyewear usage [8], psychoactive medication over use [9], prevailing difficulties with gait and balance [10,11], comorbid conditions and being underweight [12] or overweight with severe polyneuropathy [13]. In addition, environmental factors such as slippery surfaces, uneven floors, poor lighting, loose rugs, unstable furniture items, and a variety of obstacles and objects on floors may pose further risks to falling and incurring a serious injury [13,14].…”