Management of intracapsular hip fracture: Current trends from a national survey

Proximal femoral fractures are a major public health issue due to an increasing ageing population, with an important impact on patients' quality of life. This study was designed by the Authors through a national survey with the purpuse to investigate the italian experience and practice about management and perioperative/operative trends of intracapsular proximal femoral fractures (PFF). In February-March 2022 a national survey was submitted online to the members of SIOT (Società Italiana Ortopedici e Traumatologi) and SIDA (Società Italiana dell'Anca) societies. Demographic data of the participants such as age, type of workplace and years of working experiences were registered. The questionnarie included 21 multiple choice questions about: demographic data, preoperative management, surgical indications (treatment of non-displaced and displaced fractures), management of the geriatric patient and surgical technique. Resulting data were collected and stored in a database, the results were then processed and compared with the international literature and registries. The Survey was completed by 372 surgeons; answers reported were often in accordance with the literature and national and international guidelines, with, on the other hand, important controversies regarding preoperative management (radiological studies and preoperative planning), some surgical indications and choice of stem fixation. Management of proximal femoral fractures is not always clear and univocal; it is mandatory to produce a diagnostic-therapeutic process supported by scientific evidence. In this context the SIOT Guidelines 2021 offer a real help for the surgeon managing a PPF.