The management of fragility fractures of the hip

a quality assessment project

Authors

  • N Kauta
  • M Held
  • S Dlamini
  • I Ross
  • G Kalla
  • S Maqungo

Keywords:

fragility fractures, hip, geriatric hip fractures, standard of care for hip fractures, osteoporosis, frailty care

Abstract

Fragility fractures of the hip (FFH) constitute the most serious complication of osteoporosis, carrying a mortality rate of up to 30% in the first year after injury. Less than 50% of affected patients will regain their pre-injury activity level. Surgical fixation of the hip fracture within 48 hours of injury, multimodal pain management, deep vein thrombo-prophylaxis, early physical therapy and simultaneous management of osteoporosis and frailty in a multidisciplinary approach constitute the standard of care for FFH to keep the mortality and morbidity rates as low as possible and prevent future fragility fractures. 

AIM: To assess the standard of care of FFH at our institution and determine areas of management which require more attention and improvement. 

METHODS: A retrospective review of clinical and radiographic records of all patients admitted at our institution for FFH from 1 January 2014 to 31 December 2014. The waiting time from admission to surgical fixation of the hip fracture, pain control and thrombo-prophylaxis strategies, rate of geriatric referrals and extent of osteoporosis management were assessed. 

RESULTS: One-hundred-and-thirteen FFH were admitted from 1 January to 31 December 2014; 98 clinical records and 98 pelvis radiographs were included in the study. The other 15 clinical records were incomplete and were therefore excluded. The average waiting time from admission to surgery was 49 hours (range 9-120). All patients received low dose morphine, paracetamol and tramadol for perioperative pain control. Low molecular weight heparin and compression stockings were prescribed for thrombo-prophylaxis in all patients. Only two (2.04%) patients had some osteoporosis investigations ordered and none of the patients were referred to the geriatric department, and none were formally treated for osteoporosis. 

CONCLUSION: While the waiting time from admission to surgery was largely within the recommended time frame, there were no signs of a multidisciplinary approach to the management of FFH at our institution, leaving osteoporosis and frailty largely untreated.

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Published

2017-09-27

Issue

Section

Hip / Trauma

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