Characteristics of United States Emergency Department Visits for Traumatic Amputations in the Elderly Adult from 2010 to 2013.

BACKGROUND

Elderly adults (65 years of age and older) are of particular concern for traumatic amputations due to age-related changes in vision and coordination, making them more susceptible to injury.

OBJECTIVES

The objective of this study is to describe the epidemiology of traumatic amputations in the elderly adults treated in United States emergency departments (ED).

DESIGN

A retrospective analysis using data from the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System from 2010 to 2013.

PARTICIPANTS

People aged 65 years and older treated in U.S. hospital EDs for traumatic amputations from 2010 to 2013.

RESULTS

There were 15,611 elderly patients treated for amputations from 2010 to 2013, averaging 3,902 amputations per year in the United States. The frequency of amputations declined with increasing age. The mean age was 74 years old. Males represented 84% of the cohort. The majority of the injuries that were recorded took place at home (71%). The most common associated consumer products were saws, lawnmowers, and doors. Saws accounted for approximately 45% of amputations. In females, doors were the most common consumer product associated with amputations. Approximately 45% of amputations were complete amputations. The most common digit to be amputated was the thumb (24%). Approximately 72% of the cases in the cohort were treated and released from the ED.

CONCLUSION

Traumatic amputations in elderly adults were frequently due to saws and lawnmowers. An increase in injury prevention efforts in this patient population is warranted.