The Particulars: Previous research has not provided well-defined predictors of complications and mortality following hip fracture.
Data Breakdown: After analyzing a sample of more than 44,000 hip fracture incidents, investigators found that the presence of shock after the injury was the most important predictor of complications. Dialysis, presenting in shock, cardiac disease, and male gender were significant predictors of mortality. In addition to obesity, diabetes, and shorter time to procedure, other factors that influenced complications included dialysis, shock, and cardiac disease. Obesity, femoral neck fracture, cardiac disease, and diabetes significantly increased risks for major complications, including postoperative infection.
Take Home Pearls: Multiple comorbidities appear to predict poor outcomes following hip fracture, particularly the presence of shock, obesity, diabetes, and time to surgery. Targeting factors that are modifiable may optimize outcomes in surgery.
