Der Chirurg; Zeitschrift für alle Gebiete der operativen Medizen
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Due to demographic changes in average life expectancy, the age of patients undergoing cardiac surgery is increasing. We have reviewed the literature to analyse whether and how far octogenarians benefit from cardiac surgical procedures. ⋯ The perioperative mortality and other postoperative complications are strongly dependent on comorbidities rather than on patients' age. Elderly patients benefit from improved functional status and quality of life.
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The indications for the surgical treatment of fractures in elderly patients should consider the individual's general health status, the specific pattern of injury, and the ability of the patient to actively participate in the rehabilitation process. Intramedullary systems are the gold standard for shaft and metaphyseal fractures due to the decreased operative trauma and the possibility of early weight bearing and functional treatment. ⋯ The possible reasons for falls should be diagnosed in order to allow their prevention. An exact assessment of the severity of osteoporosis in important in allowing adequate treatment for associated pain and for decreasing the risk of future osteoporosis related fractures.