Background: Hip fracture is a common clinical problem with historically high morbidity and mortality, and various model of acute and subacute care have been employed. We describe 12-month results from the first dedicated hip fracture unit in Australia, and compare it with other models of care both locally and internationally.
Methods: This was performed as a prospective uncontrolled study over a 12-month period. After application of exclusion criteria, a total of 346 patients were yielded. Outcomes measured included performance indicators as well as morbidity and mortality data.
Results: Improvements in performance indicators (adequate preoperative medical assessment, time to surgery, return to premorbid residence, etc.) and morbidity and mortality data (such as pressure sores, infections and in-hospital death) are noted.
Conclusions: Early results suggest more comprehensive preoperative assessment, shorter times to theatre, reduced post-operative complications and diminished mortality rates when the principles undermining this unit are instituted.
Keywords: fracture; hip; orthogeriatric; orthopaedics; post-operative.
© 2012 The Authors. ANZ Journal of Surgery © 2012 Royal Australasian College of Surgeons.