[Multi-centre register study of hip fractures in Orthogeriatric Units in the Community of Madrid (Spain)]

Abstract

Objective: To describe the characteristics of patients with hip fractures admitted over a period of two years (from January 2015 to December 2016) in eight Orthogeriatric Units in public hospitals of the Community of Madrid.

Material and method: This is a descriptive, prospective and multi-centre study. In 2014, all hospitals in Madrid providing joint Geriatric and Traumatology assistance were invited to a recently created orthogeriatric work group. Geriatricians in charge of the Orthogeriatric Unit from eight hospitals took part in this study. The participants established a database including all variables that influenced health outcomes (socio-demographic and clinical variables).

Results: The study includes 3,995 patients, with a mean age of 85.3years (range: 58-108years old). Two-thirds of them were ASA (American Society Physical Status Classification System) III-IV. Almost all (96.7%) of the patients underwent a surgical operation, and 35.9% of them were operated during the first 48hours. The delay was mainly due to logistic problems (43.5%). The mean hospital stay was 11.2days. Just over half (53.1%) of the patients required a blood transfusion. In-hospital mortality was 5.3%.

Discussion: Hip fracture registries are essential tools to monitor the healthcare process of these patients, as well as to improve the quality of care. Our results are similar to other records. It would be necessary to improve pre-operative time, which must be less than 48hours in patients without clinical instability. We also need more resources for functional recovery and more uniformity.

Keywords: Acute care; Anciano; Elderly; Fractura de cadera; Hip fracture; Hospital de agudos; Orthogeriatrics; Ortogeriatría; Registro; Registry.