Defining Predictable Patterns of Craniomaxillofacial Injury in the Elderly: Analysis of 1,047 Patients

Fractures in the elderly tend to be minimally displaced midfacial fractures that do not warrant surgical intervention. Despite conservative management, the elderly are hospitalized longer than their younger counterparts, have increased critical care needs, and have higher mortality. These data support national medical preparedness in anticipating the craniofacial trauma needs of the aging US population and can be used to update treatment algorithms for these patients.