Despite advances in care, morbidity and mortality in elderly patients after major trauma remains considerably higher than in younger populations with head injuries accounting for the majority of fatalities. The elderly patient population in this study mostly suffered from blunt mechanisms of injury, with simple falls representing a high proportion of injury mechanisms. Generally, the injury severity scale (ISS) in the elderly is not statistically higher than with the younger population. Likewise, the distribution of injuries according to body regions is also similar; however, the elderly are more prone to complications (e. g. sepsis and MOF), which is likely due to a lower physiological reserves.

Operative treatment of anterior superior iliac spine avulsions may reduce the time to full recovery. It should be considered for athletes requiring a short period of rehabilitation.

Our series is one of the largest to be reported for the treatment of chronic rupture. Our technique offers a considerable advantage; it is minimal invasive, easy to perform with no associated harvesting morbidity and increased patient acceptance. We recommend this technique for the treatment of chronic rupture of Achilles tendon.

The treatment of odontoid fractures remains controversial. The late results of 14 patients with Anderson D'Alonzo type II and III treated with halo jacket from 1995 to 1999 are presented. The fractures were reduced under image intensifier and stabilized by halo jacket. The immobilization period was 12 weeks. After 1 year, the fracture was roentgenologically consolidated in 12 out of 14 patients (85.7%), and all the patients were without neurological deficit. Nine patients (64.3%) were without subjective complaints, five had a reduced range of motion. Painful motion appeared in four patients (28.6%), and cervical stiffness was noted in five (35.7%). We recommend halo jacket for the treatment of most type II and III odontoid fractures which are unstable or displaced 6 mm and more, except for patients with tetraplegia. Fractures with minimal displacement and without neurological deficit were treated conservatively with rigid collars. In our institution, internal fixation was performed in selected cases. The presence of neurological deficit and the anatomic properties of the fracture site crucially influence the choice of treatment.

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