Outcome of femoral shaft fractures in the elderly

Published literature on fractures of the femoral shaft has reported results of treatment stratified by fracture type or treatment type. The current study analyzes the outcome of fractures of the femoral shaft in elderly patients. One hundred thirty-eight patients older than the age of 65 years sustained femoral shaft fractures. Ten percent of the patients had associated injuries. The majority of the patients had significant prefracture medical problems. Nonsurgical treatment was used in 29 cases. Surgical treatment in 109 patients consisted of cerclage wires in 13 cases, plates and screws in 58 cases, intramedullary nails in 26 cases, and long stem prostheses in 12 cases. Complications of treatment occurred in 46% of patients. The type of treatment did not influence the frequency of complications. Twenty percent of patients died within 6 months of the fracture. There was a significant difference in the age of the patients who survived compared with those who did not survive. The mental status of the patient was also a major determinant of survival. Alert and oriented patients had a much better chance of survival. The outcome of fractures of the femoral shafts cited in the literature is different from the results seen in this population of elderly patients. The observed complication rate of 46% and mortality rate of 20% in this series is similar to those reported for intertrochanteric fractures and femoral neck fractures. Age and mental status are important determinants in the survival of the patient regardless of the treatment administered.