Hip Fracture Update- Each year in the U.S. approximately 350,000 hip fractures occur; ninety percent of them are the result of a simple fall from standing height. One-third of all elderly women and one-sixth of all elderly men will sustain a hip fracture.Half of all hip fractures occur at the femoral neck, while intertrochanteric fractures comprise the other half. Subtrochanteric fractures are rare. Intracapsular fractures at the femoral neck put the patient at risk of developing avascular necrosis of the severed femoral head, a concern that can determine the type of surgical repair. Orthopedists will perform a procedure commonly referred to as ORIF (open reduction, internal fixation) on two-thirds of all hip fractures, basically using internal pins to hold the fractured bone together. With a femoral neck fracture that jeopardizes the vascular supply to the femoral head, or if the femoral head is deformed or displaced, hemiarthroplasty is performed. Orthopedists opt to repair a third of hip fractures with this procedure.
Comorbidities are common in individuals sustaining hip fractures; roughly a quarter to a third of patients present with one or more comorbid conditions including chronic pulmonary disease, congestive heart failure, and diabetes. Consequently, the treatment and management of hip fracture patients is complex, with more than 80% of patients requiring the involvement of their general practitioner and various sub-specialists.
Review the incidence of hip fracture and the common types of surgical repair. Better understand the unique complexities of hip fracture patients and become more confident in co-managing their cases with orthopedists and other sub-specialists. Review the consequences and complications of hip fracture.
1.0 Free AMA Pra CAT 1 CME for Physicians
Expires 5/2/15