[Morbidity and mortality in para-articular femoral fractures in advanced age. Results of a prospective study].

UNLABELLED

This study was designed to determine risk factors and individual dispositions associated with morbidity and mortality in the operative treatment of hip fractures in elderly patients.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

In a prospective clinical trial, a consecutive series of 278 patients (mean age: 78.7 +/- 6.2 years) with a hip fracture treated by internal fixation or arthroalloplasty was recorded prospectively concerning preexistent diseases and risk factors. Based upon a multivariate analysis the data were related to perioperative complications and mortality. A follow-up during the first postoperative year was performed to determine mortality rate and causes of deaths. Polymorbidity within the meaning of 3 preexistent diseases was present in 117 cases; a solitary disease was found in 25 patients. Only 19 patients were without significant risks representing a comorbidity of 93.2%. In 64.4% diseases of the cardiovascular system were detected followed by diabetes mellitus (21.9%) and diseases of the respiratory tract (20.1%).

RESULTS

In the postoperative course systemic complications were observed in 118 patients indicating a general morbidity of 42.4%. According to the preexistent diseases recorded, cardiovascular complications (25.5%), obstructive ventilatory diseases (10.1%) and pneumonias (12.2%) were the most common complications. During hospital stay 21 patients died (mortality: 7.6%). A total of 76 patients died during the first postoperative year corresponding to a mortality rate of 27.3%. Postoperative complications were observed in patients with polymorbidity at 68.4% which differs significantly with the morbidity of low-risk patients at 23.6% (p < 0.001). Multivariate analysis revealed a combination of polymorbidity and age beyond 78 years as significant risk factors towards morbidity and mortality. In detail, a prevalence of cardiovascular insufficiency, pulmonary disease and disturbance of renal function was found to be a significant disposition.

CONCLUSIONS

During the preoperative course high risk patients should be identified according to the data presented above in order to take all measures necessary in critical care during the perioperative period. Furthermore, the results underline the importance of an early operative treatment within a posttraumatic period of 12-24 hours. Concerning the method of fracture stabilization procedures allowing a primary full loading should be favoured with regard to early rehabilitation.