The mission of the Orthopaedic Geriatric Service is to maximize the functional outcome of the geriatric patient presented with an orthopaedic problem. This is best accomplished by establishing a team of individuals who come together to focus on the complexities involved with the care of a geriatric patient. The team would consist of, but not be limited to, an orthopaedic surgeon, geriatrician, anesthesiologist, rehabilitation specialist, nutritionist, social worker.
Goals Decrease the mortality and morbidity associated with hip fractures in the elderly.
Decrease the mortality and morbidity after elective total joint replacement. Increase the functionality of injured geriatric patient. Provide a smooth efficient transition of care from the time the patient arrives in the emergency department until the patient is discharged home either directly from the hospital or through the UAMS transitional care unit. Develop a curriculum for the residency programs to educate the residents on the special needs and considerations of treating the geriatric orthopaedic patient. The Orthopaedic Geriatric Service will be an active source of education for both the geriatric and the orthopaedic training programs.