Review article

Orthogeriatrics – considerations in caring for older orthopaedic patient

MARKO PEĆINA ; Department of Medical Sciences, Croatian Academy of Sciences and Arts, Zagreb, Croatia
JANA IVKOVIĆ ; Department of Biotechnology, University of Rijeka, Rijeka, Croatia
TATJANA CICVARA-PEĆINA ; Department of Radiology, University Hospital Dubrava, Zagreb, Croatia
ALAN IVKOVIĆ orcid.org/0000-0003-0236-6244 ; 1_Department of Biotechnology, University of Rijeka, Rijeka; 2_Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University Hospital Sveti Duh, Sveti Duh 64, Zagreb, Croatia

Abstract

Patients over the age of 65 are the fastest growing segment of the population, and it is estimated that it comprises 12.5% of the entire population in the developed countries. Advances in medicine, science and healthy lifestyles have promoted substantially increased lifespans, aswell as better quality of life with more physical activity. On the other hand, aging is associated with a variety of physiologic changes that affect orthopedic care. Due to natural involution processes older adults may not have the physiologic reserves necessary to promote healing or to prevent or recover fromcomplications. Degenerative diseases and injuries sustained from trauma in combination with physiologic changes and comorbidity in the aged pose a significant health problem in older adults and a major treatment challenge for an orthopaedic
surgeon. This review summarizes some of these unique challenges in care for older orthopaedic patient.

Keywords

geriatrics; aging physiology; orthopaedics

Hrčak ID:

116493

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/116493

Publication date:

31.12.2013.

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