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Updated: Feb 24, 2026
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A Method to Estimate Cadaveric Femur Cortical Strains During Fracture Testing Using Digital Image Correlation
Published on: September 14, 2017
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Using national hip fracture registries and audit databases to develop an international perspective.
Antony Johansen1, David Golding2, Louise Brent3
1Consultant Orthogeriatrician, University Hospital of Wales, National Hip Fracture Database, Royal College of Physicians, Cardiff, London, UK.
Injury
|August 15, 2017
Summary
Hip fracture care for older adults is audited globally. National audits reveal consistent patient profiles but surprising variations in treatment and outcomes across countries, highlighting the need for standardized data and international collaboration.
Area of Science:
- Geriatric Medicine
- Surgical Audit
- Health Services Research
Background:
- Hip fracture is a leading cause of emergency surgery and prolonged dependence in older adults.
- It serves as an ideal marker condition for auditing healthcare services worldwide.
- Early identification allows for timely intervention and assessment of care quality.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and compare approaches of eight national hip fracture audit programs.
- To highlight variations in case mix, management, and outcomes across different countries.
- To encourage the development of standardized datasets for international healthcare audit collaboration.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of reports from eight national hip fracture audit programs.
- Analysis of case mix, management strategies, and patient outcomes.
- Comparative assessment of healthcare system responses to a common clinical challenge.
Main Results:
- Consistent patient profiles emerged: average age 80, predominantly female, with one-third experiencing cognitive impairment.
- Significant international variations were observed in fracture types, surgical procedures, anesthesia methods, and hospital length of stay.
- National audits offer a unique platform for comparing international healthcare system performance.
Conclusions:
- Standardized data collection is crucial for effective international healthcare audits.
- Comparative analysis of hip fracture care can inform best practices and improve outcomes globally.
- International collaboration through standardized auditing can enhance the quality of care for older adults with hip fractures.
