Elder Abuse in the Orthopaedic Patient: An Updated Review of Prevalence, Identification, and Screening Tools for Orthopaedic Surgeons

INTRODUCTION: Elder abuse is a prevalent, though often overlooked and underreported, cause of musculoskeletal injury in the elderly population. The purpose of this review is to provide an updated overview of the prevalence of elder abuse, its association with musculoskeletal injuries, and the available resources to aid orthopaedic surgeons in early detection and intervention.

SIGNIFICANCE: Improved training on this topic is needed throughout the medical education of orthopaedic surgeons to effectively recognize and address elder abuse. Our findings reveal an urgent need for increased awareness, education, and collaboration among healthcare professionals to address this significant public health concern. As the aging population continues to grow, understanding the connection between elder abuse and musculoskeletal injuries is essential for providing comprehensive care to older adults.

RESULTS: This review offers practical recommendations for identifying individuals at risk of elder abuse and outlines strategies for intervention. Indicators of abuse range from obvious signs like dirty clothes, neglect, and unattended injuries from falls, to more subtle cues requiring careful observation and questioning, such as mental health symptoms and family histories of abuse.

CONCLUSION: By shedding light on this often-overlooked issue, this review advocates for a proactive approach to identifying and addressing elder abuse to safeguard the well-being and quality of life of older individuals.