Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 23, 2026

Author Spotlight: Assessing Surgical Frailty with Point-of-Care Ultrasound of Quadriceps Muscles
Published on: July 26, 2024
The frail fail: Increased mortality and post-operative complications in orthopaedic trauma patients
CatPhuong Cathy L Vu1, Robert P Runner2, William M Reisman3
1Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States.
Objective:
The burgeoning elderly population calls for a robust tool to identify patients with increased risk of mortality and morbidity. This paper investigates the utility of the MFI as a predictor of morbidity and mortality in orthopaedic trauma patients.
Design:
Retrospective review of the NSQIP database to identify patients age 60 and above who underwent surgery for pelvis and lower extremity fractures between 2005 and 2014.
Main Outcomes And Measures:
For each patient, an MFI score was calculated using NSQIP variables. The relationship between the MFI score and 30-day mortality and morbidity was determined using chi-square analysis. MFI was compared to age, American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status classification, and wound classifications in multiple logistic regression.
Results:
Study sample consisted of 36,424 patients with 27.8% male with an average age of 79.5 years (SD 9.3). MFI ranged from 0 to 0.82 with mean MFI of 0.12 (SD 0.09). Mortality increased from 2.7% to 13.2% and readmission increased from 5.5% to 18.8% with increasing MFI score. The rate of any complication increased from 30.1% to 38.6%. Length of hospital stay increased from 5.3days (±5.5days) to 9.1days (±7.2days) between MFI score 0 and 0.45+. There was a stronger association between 30-day mortality and MFI (aOR for MFI 0.45+: 2.6, 95% CI: 1.7-3.9) compared to age (aOR for age: 1.1, 95% CI: 1.1-1.1) and ASA (aOR 2.5, 95% CI: 2.3-2.7).
Conclusions And Relevance:
MFI was a significant predictor of morbidity and mortality in orthopaedic trauma patients. The use of MFI can provide an individualized risk assessment tool that can be used by an interdisciplinary team for perioperative counseling and to improve outcomes.
More Related Videos
08:17A Mouse Model of Orthopedic Surgery to Study Postoperative Cognitive Dysfunction and Tissue Regeneration
Published on: February 27, 2018
04:19Minimally Invasive Treatment for Thoracolumbar Burst Fracture Using Sagittal Alignment Screws and A Trauma Reduction Device
Published on: November 8, 2024
Related Concept Videos
Flail Chest-I
Flail chest is a severe and potentially life-threatening condition characterized by the fracture of three or more adjacent ribs in multiple places. It is most commonly caused by direct impacts and trauma, such as motor vehicle accidents or injuries from a steering wheel impact. It can also occur due to falls in elderly individuals with osteoporosis, or assaults involving sharp objects.
Pathophysiology
The pathophysiology of flail chest is complex, involving fractures of...
Bone Disorders
Bone deposition is also affected by the levels of sex hormones like estrogen and testosterone that promote osteoblast activity and bone matrix synthesis. When the level of these hormones decreases due to aging, it causes a reduction in bone deposition. As a result, bone resorption by osteoclasts...
Fractures: Bone Repair
Minor fractures with no bone displacement are treated by immobilizing the fractured bone using a cast or splint. However, in the case of fractures with displaced bones, the broken bones are repositioned before immobilization to ensure successful healing without deformation and loss of function. The realignment of fractured bone ends is performed through a process called reduction. If the...
Flail Chest-II
Assessment:
1. Clinical Evaluation:
History:
The Effect of Aging on Tissues
Peripheral Artery Disease V: Postoperative Nursing Management