Assessment of Traumas Sustained by Individuals Aged 65 and Over Presenting to the Forensic Medicine Outpatient Clinic Within the Scope of Preventive Measures

Background Trauma in older adults is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality. Understanding epidemiology, risk factors, and outcomes is crucial for prevention and management. Methods We conducted a retrospective cross-sectional study including 406 geriatric trauma patients (≥ 65 years) who presented to a single-center emergency department over 12 months. Demographics, injury types, comorbidities, and clinical outcomes were analyzed. Results The mean age was 79.9 (± 8.8) years; 53.9% were female. Falls accounted for 71.2% of traumas (44.1% indoor, 27.1% outdoor). Fractures were present in 58.4% of patients, and 89.7% had comorbidities. Hospital admission was required in 46.8% and rehabilitation in 57.1%. Increasing age (OR = 1.08, 95% CI 1.05–1.12, p < 0.001), polypharmacy (OR = 2.67, 95% CI 1.85–3.85, p < 0.001), and multiple comorbidities (OR = 3.21, 95% CI 2.12–4.85, p < 0.001) were independent risk factors for adverse outcomes. Conclusions Falls are the leading cause of trauma among older adults. Multifactorial risk assessment and targeted prevention programs are necessary to reduce trauma burden and improve outcomes in this vulnerable population.