![]() Falls were defined as ‘unexpected falls to the floor or other low position, without loss of consciousness’. The older patients were then classified as young-old (aged 65–74 years), middle-old (75–84 years), or oldest-old (>85 years). The target patients were divided into those aged >65 years (older patients) and those aged 18–64 years (non-older patients). Additionally, we aimed to determine the ages of patients who should be actively diagnosed with intertrochanteric fractures through examinations such as computed tomography (CT) scans. Therefore, we investigated the differences in the incidence of femoral intertrochanteric fracture with age. However, to our knowledge, no studies have yet been conducted to determine the incidence of femur intertrochanteric fractures among the rapidly increasing hip injuries of older adults. Additionally, we have observed a rapid increase in the frequency of older patients visiting the emergency centers and who are diagnosed with intertrochanteric fractures due to minor fall injury. Therefore, the degree of damage and aftereffects that they acquire may differ for various traumas. 1, 2)Īmong older adults, the young-old have remained healthier than their counterparts in the past due to their better economic and nutritional Status and frequent medical checkups. 18 - 20) In Korea, the proportion of older individuals aged >85 years is increasing rapidly, from approximately 60,000 in 1980 to an estimated 530,000 by 2015 and 1.15 million by 2026, the highest increase rate among all age groups. Although the criteria differ, several studies have proposed divisions of this group into early and late (75 years) old age or young-old, middle-old, and oldest-old age for 65–74, 75–84, and at least 85 years, respectively. Therefore, the older adult population may have to be subdivided. 17)Īs the overall health status of older adults has gradually increased, their health conditions vary depending on their age. 16) Hence, increased time and effort are needed for the diagnosis of older patients with hip injuries caused by minor falls. However, older patients usually experience more fractures than expected and less often complain of pain than younger individuals. In younger patients, fractures are rare and more likely to be diagnosed because of severe resting pain. ![]() 13) Furthermore, diagnosis of these fractures may not be possible by simple plain radiography, 14, 15) thus, careful interpretation of radiographs and physical examination may be needed. 13) The frequency of femur intertrochanteric fractures is climbing due to the increased average life expectancy of older adults. 12) Femur intertrochanteric fractures, usually caused by minor falls in older adults with osteoporosis, are the most common type of fracture around the hip. Hip fractures are more likely to occur in older than in younger patients. Many people visit emergency centers due to hip injuries caused by minor falls. 8) The injuries and damage sustained from minor falls are more severe in older adults than those in non-older age groups. 6, 7) Generally, as the number of older individuals hospitalized has increased recently, minor falls have also increased. Falls among older adults also cause severe spontaneous damages and complications. 4, 5) This age group has a higher frequency and risk of falls than those of younger age groups. Injuries from falls are the most common and major cause of trauma in older adults. Furthermore, aging is significantly associated with decreased physiological ability, which is a cause of trauma, requiring special medical needs and treatment compared to other age groups. 1) The increase in the older adult population leads to their increased participation in social and leisure activities, thus increasing the frequency of trauma in this population. 2) With a rapid increase in the older population, the lack of medical research focusing on the older population is a major concern. 1) This is the fastest annual aging rate in the world. The proportion of the older population aged ≥65 years in Korea was about 14.1% in 2015 and is expected to increase to greater than 20% by 2025, becoming a so-called ‘super-aged society’. ![]()
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