Outcome of surgery for unstable intertrochanteric fractures in octogenarians

This study aims to determine pre-morbid parameters as possible predictors of outcome of hip fracture in octogenarians with unstable intertrochanteric fracture treated operatively. Presence of co-morbidities, pre-injury level of ambulation, type of surgery, and period of delay in surgery were considered, and their effect on the post-operative outcome was evaluated using the Harris Hip Score. The computed probability of survival of octogenarians who had surgery was approximately 11 months. In patients with two or more co-morbidities, there is a significant effect on Harris Hip Score in terms of pain and deformity. Delay in surgery of more than two weeks significantly decreased the distance travelled at one year. The overall recovery is correlated to preinjury level of ambulation and delay in surgery. Patients with intertochanteric fracture in this age group, who have less co-morbidities and with more independent ambulation, are good candidates for timely operative treatment.