Outcomes and Costs of Hip Fractures in Elderly Patients
Author Information
Author(s): Muacevic Alexander, Adler John R, Sanderson-Jerome Camille, Hariharan Seetharaman
Primary Institution: Port of Spain General Hospital, The University of the West Indies
Hypothesis
This study aimed to determine the outcomes and economic costs associated with hip fractures in elderly patients at a tertiary care institution in Trinidad and Tobago.
Conclusion
Prolonged lead time until surgery for elderly hip fracture patients increased their hospital length of stay and significantly increased the costs of their management.
Supporting Evidence
- Postoperative complications were seen in 57% of patients.
- The mean cost of hospitalization was found to be US $10,256 per patient.
- The hospital mortality was 27% and one-year mortality was 50%.
- The longer the lead time to surgery, the longer the hospital length of stay.
- The total costs ranged from US $541.17 to US $21,948.11.
Takeaway
When older people break their hips, it takes a long time to get them surgery, which makes them stay in the hospital longer and costs more money.
Methodology
A chart review of patients aged > 65 years admitted with a diagnosis of hip fractures for one calendar year was conducted, followed by a prospective survey to determine their current status.
Limitations
The study was retrospective with a small sample size and incomplete patient files.
Participant Demographics
Patients aged 65 to 117 years, with a mean age of 82.0 years; 43.3% male and 56.7% female.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.0001
Statistical Significance
p<0.0001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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