[Retrospective application of the performance indicator 'hip fracture: operate within 24 hours' in 217 patients treated at the University Medical Centre Utrecht in 2000-2003: reduction in postoperative pneumonia but not mortality].

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate whether patients with hip fracture who undergo surgery within 24 hours--which has been propagated as an indicator of quality care--is associated with a reduced risk of mortality and complications, compared with later surgery.

DESIGN

Retrospective status study based on a prospectively designed electronic medical record.

METHOD

Data were collected on patients aged > or =60 years who were admitted to the University Medical Centre Utrecht, the Netherlands, between 1 January 2000 and 31 December 2003 for hip fracture. Outcomes were compared in patients who underwent surgery within 24 hours and those who underwent surgery after more than 24 hours. The primary outcome measure was mortality (in-hospital, after 3 months, 12 year and 3 years after discharge). Secondary outcome measures were postoperative complications, postoperative duration ofhospital stay and admission to long-term care facilities. We corrected for age, gender and pre-existing comorbidity.

RESULTS

A total of 217 patients were included. In the 150 patients who underwent surgery within 24 hours, the mean age was 80.5 years, 75% were female and 28% were class III or IV according to the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA). In the 67 patients who underwent surgery after more than 24 hours, the mean age was 80.9 years, 82% were female, and 49% were ASA class III or IV. After correcting for published risk factors, there was no relationship between the timing of surgery and mortality. Fewer patients treated within 24 hours developed pneumonia postoperatively. In this study population, the only risk factor for mortality was the preoperative condition of the patient.

CONCLUSION

Postoperative pneumonia occurred less frequently in patients with hip fracture who underwent surgery within 24 hours. Postoperative mortality was related to poor patient condition but not the timing of surgery. Early surgery should be avoided in patients with severe comorbidity who are not optimally prepared for surgery.