–         Delay in receiving medical care impacting geriatric patients physically and mentally

The Covid-19 pandemic has ensured significant reduction in the load of fracture patients among the younger population, but the incidence of fragility fractures among the aged emerged as an area of great concern! There are reported instances of mortality among elderly patients who failed to receive timely medical intervention for fractured suffered during the days of #lockdown and post it.

On the eve of World Trauma Day, there is an urgent need to enhance awareness about the need to handle fractures to elderly people at the earliest. Many are fearing to step out these days, more so to visit a hospital. But, unless aged people who suffer a fracture due to fragility or a fall receive timely care, the impact could be devastating, physically and mentally. Hip fractures in the elderly are overwhelming injuries that frequently result in long-term disability and can even lead to death.

Commenting on the need for urgent care, Dr. Sree Sowjanya Patibandla, HOD & Consultant Emergency Medicine Physician, Continental Hospitals said, “There is a significantly higher risk of mortality in elderly patients with fractures and hence they should only be operated in a facility with a robust intensive care. Delay is ensuring right treatment could result into a permanent disability or even worse among the aged. Not just physical, such incidents could leave a strong negative impact mentally, hence, it is strongly recommended that old-aged people are taken to hospital without much ado and given proper treatment.”

“While the pandemic has changed the definition of normalcy to many of us, one critical situation where many find difficulty is in the case of emergencies, especially in the case of accidents – be it inside the home or outside. It is important to provide the most comprehensive care as fast as possible. The right care at the right time can be the difference between life and death for a trauma victim.  At Continental Hospitals, we have a comprehensive trauma center which delivers timely collaborative care. And we have seen that such a collaborative approach has helped save the lives of many.” said Dr Rahul Medakkar, Chief Executive Officer, Continental Hospital.

Elderly patients with fractures associated with medical comorbidities such as diabetes, hypertension, COPD, and obesity are severely affected by associated infections, due to reduced functional reserves and weakened immune systems. And these patients should be operated as soon as they are medically optimized, as any operative delays beyond 48 hours after admission may increase the odds of 30-day all-cause mortality.