Abstract

LEME, Luiz Eugênio Garcez; SITTA, Maria do Carmo; TOLEDO, Manuella  and  HENRIQUES, Simone da Silva. Orthopedic surgery among the elderly: clinical characteristics. Rev. bras. ortop. [online]. 2011, vol.46, n.3, pp. 238-246. ISSN 0102-3616.  http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S0102-36162011000300002.

Care for elderly patients undergoing orthopedic surgery, particularly for those requiring emergency surgery, needs to take into account an analysis of physical capacity and risks specific to elderly individuals, in an attempt to reduce the risks. Nevertheless, these remain high in this group. Despite the risks, procedures developed promptly have a positive effect on these patients' evolution. Coordinated care, composed of teams of specialists within clinical medicine, geriatrics, orthopedics, anesthesiology and critical care, along with other healthcare professionals, may be highly beneficial for this group of patients.

Keywords : Aged; Orthopedic; Emergency Medicine.