Evaluation and management of thoracolumbar injuries in the elderly population

The prevalence of thoracolumbar injuries in the elderly population is expected to increase. Treating this population after thoracolumbar injury is a complicated process, unique in some aspects from the younger population. Although validated injury classification systems have recently been defined, a comprehensive evaluation tool to assess the elderly patient's physical and cognitive function is lacking. Risk stratification remains a difficult process, individually tailored to the patient. Outcomes of treatment are fraught with higher complications and mortality than younger populations. Given the expected growth of spinal injuries and the anticipated financial impact, further investigation into the elderly population is needed.