Which patients are at risk for kidney dysfunction after hip fracture surgery?

Kidney dysfunction (KD) after hip fracture surgery is a major complication. However, the incidence and risk factors of KD in this population are unclear.

We therefore (1) determined the incidence of KD in a large cohort of fracture patients, (2) identified preoperative risk factors predisposing to KD, and (3) determined the effect of KD on length of stay and subsequent function.

Between April 2011 and June 2012, 450 patients (263 women) with a mean age of 73 years (range, 67-96 years) underwent surgery for hip fracture in our institution. We calculated incidence and retrospectively reviewed suspected predisposing risk factors. We report followup at 6 months.

The overall incidence of KD was 11% (n = 52). Forty-five patients (86%) developed acute KD and seven patients developed acute-on-chronic KD. Three of the 52 patients died during the followup time. Thirty-eight of the 52 patients (73%) regained their prior kidney function after treatment. An increased risk of KD was found in those with diabetes, shock during or after surgery, age, and preexisting KD. Mean length of stay was higher for patients with KD compared to those without: 9.6 versus 7.4, respectively. At 6 months, 39 of the 49 surviving patients (80%) were fully weightbearing.

Many patients at risk for postoperative KD can be identified and treated. Most patients recover from their KD and the majority return to full weightbearing.