Silver Trauma: Changing Patterns of Trauma in the Older Population

An 80-year-old male presented to the emergency department complaining of central chest pain following a road traffic accident at 25 miles/hr. Following investigation of cardiac markers and chest x-ray, the patient was diagnosed with non-complicated sternal fracture. Silver trauma sustained by older adults due to various forms of trauma take prolonged time to heal due to the physiological changes that occur in aging such as decreased bone density, diminished organ function and reduced capacity for repair. Management of silver trauma requires a multidisciplinary approach and emphasis needs to be placed on early mobilisation to facilitate recovery. This case report highlights a growing area of concern in healthcare, given the aging population and economic burden placed on the NHS If this vulnerable population is not managed with specialised care and preventative measures.