DELAY TO SURGERY AND PERI-OPERATIVE MORTALITY AFTER HIP FRACTURE

The aim of this study was to evaluate the peri-operative (30-day) mortality following hip fracture and look at the variables which influence early mortality after this injury. A prospective audit of all patients admitted with hip fracture was undertaken over an 18-month period. An independent research assistant collected data on a standardised questionnaire. Data included basic demographics, comorbidities, mental test score, mobility and social status, All patients received prophylactic antibiotics and thromboprophylaxis and surgery was undertaken on dedicated trauma and hip fracture operating lists.There were 1072 patients admitted with hip fracture: 829 females (77%) and 240 males (23%) with a mean age of 80 years (range 24–103 years). The basic fracture types were intracapsular (n=616; 58%); extracapsular (n=414; 38%); subtrochanteric (n=29; 3%) and periprosthetic (n=12; 1%). 69 patients (7%) had acute medical problems which delayed anaesthesia. Delays to surgery, because of a lack of theatre resources...