Geriatric Trauma: Spinal Injury Nursing Care

Authors

Kai L. Bortz MSN, RN, CMSRN, CNL, Lehigh Valley Health NetworkFollow

Publication/Presentation Date

2018

Abstract

Spinal injuries in the elderly can be devastating. Osteoporosis and degenerative joint disease increase the risk of a spine injury in the older adult patient [1]. In addition, decreased muscle mass and ligament strength further increases the older adults risk of a spinal injury following a traumatic event. Odontoid fractures are the most common spinal fracture, accounting for 11% of all traumatic cervical spine injuries, of which 40–60% are Type II odontoid fractures [2]. Spinal injuries often occur as the result of a low velocity fall [2]. A cervical collar must be maintained until a fracture can be ruled out [1].

Comments

https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-319-57403-5_46

Published In/Presented At

Bortz K. (2018) Geriatric Trauma: Spinal Injury Nursing Care. In: Rodriguez A., Barraco R., Ivatury R. (eds) Geriatric Trauma and Acute Care Surgery. Springer, Cham

DOI https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-57403-5_46

Disciplines

Geriatric Nursing | Nursing

Department(s)

Patient Care Services / Nursing, Patient Care Services / Nursing Faculty

Document Type

Book Chapter