[Treatment and outcome of patients with hip fracture]

Hip fractures are common amongst the elderly, often with serious consequences and increased mortality. The aim of this study was to describe treatment and outcome of patients with hip fractures.

Retrospective study on all hip fracture patients ≥60 years of age operated at Landspitali University Hospital in the year 2011.

The study group was made up of 255 patients (mean age 82 ± 8 years, women 65%). Mean delay to operation was 22 ± 14 hours. Mean length of hospital stay for those living at a nursing home before hip fracture was 4 ± 2 days but if they had lived at home 14 ± 10 days (p<0.001). Before the fracture 68% of the patients lived at home but 54% at the end of follow-up (p<0.001). Mortality one year after hip fracture was 27% and on average eightfold compared to the general population ≥60 years. A multivariate analysis showed that age, time from fracture to arrival at hospital, ASA-classification and living in a nursing home before fracture were linked to an increased risk of death.

The mean delay to surgery was within recommended guidelines, but one- third waited longer than 24 hours. Resources outside hospital seemed to decide hospital length of stay. Mortality of hip fracture patients was manifold compared to the general population of the same age and within higher range compared to other countries. Significantly fewer lived in their own home after the fracture. Hip fractures cause serious debilitation and are demanding for society.