Psychiatric Illness Is Common in Elderly Fracture Patients

Area of Science:

• Geriatric Medicine
• Psychiatry
• Orthopedic Surgery

Background:

• Psychiatric comorbidities are common in elderly patients.
• Fractures in older adults are associated with significant morbidity and healthcare utilization.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the prevalence of psychiatric illness in elderly patients (≥70 years) with fractures.
• To assess the association between psychiatric illness and unplanned readmissions in this population.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective cohort study of 1,186 patients aged ≥70 years with surgically treated fractures.
• Analysis of data from 2012 to 2017, focusing on complications requiring unplanned readmission.
• Multivariate regression analysis controlling for multiple clinical and demographic factors.

Main Results:

• 44% of elderly fracture patients had psychiatric comorbidities, with 34% having multiple diagnoses.
• Patients with psychiatric diagnoses had a higher rate of unplanned readmission (35% vs. 21%, P < 0.001).
• Psychiatric illness was an independent predictor of unplanned readmission (adjusted OR 1.54, P = 0.003).

Conclusions:

• Psychiatric comorbidities are highly prevalent in elderly patients with fractures.
• Psychiatric illness is a significant, independent risk factor for unplanned readmissions in this demographic.
• Increased attention to psychiatric health in geriatric fracture care is crucial for improving patient recovery and managing healthcare costs.