Abstract
The aim of this study was to assess the injury pattern of patient’s 60 years plus who have required acute orthopaedic admission and the influence this population group will have on orthopaedic services in the future.
A retrospective analysis of orthopaedic patients obtained from our database covering a three-year period (2001–2003) was conducted. We identified those that had been treated with surgical and non-surgical procedures. The demographic injury pattern and length of stay was in-turn assessed in relation to anticipated changes in the population from projected data obtained from Statistics New Zealand.
A review of 1209 orthopaedic patients (60% males) indicated that the majority (92%) required acute orthopaedic admission. Within this group, the most common injury type was a fracture, experienced particularly in the lower limb. Length of hospital stay ranged from 0–188 days. Racial distribution incorporated a number cultures including New Zealand European, New Zealand Maori, Pacific Island, Asian, Middle Eastern, and Indian.
Orthopaedics like many other services should already have begun planning for this population group. Relevant specifications may include increased follow up visits, imbalance between males and females, and the percentage of urban-based patients. With regards to orthopaedic staffing and their skill base services need to look at the possible inclusion of an aged care specialist as part of the orthopaedic hospital team and enhancement of communication between orthopaedics and staff from the geriatric ward. Training packages for orthopaedic staff, in relation to healthcare of the elderly should also be made available.
The abstracts were prepared by Jean-Claude Theis. Correspondence should be addressed to him at Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Dunedin Hospital, Private Bag 1921, Dunedin, New Zealand.
