Objectives: We analyzed the relationship between mortality rates and preoperative medical conditions and vital factors in elderly patients (aged over 65 years) operated on for hip fractures.
Methods: The study included 92 patients (56 females, 36 males) who were operated on for hip fractures and had follow-up data up to 36 months. The mean age was 76 years (range 65 to 96 years) for women, and 74 years (range 65 to 92 years) for men. The fractures were intertrochanteric in 54 patients (58.7%), and in the femur neck in 38 patients (41.3%). The patients were divided into three risk groups, namely, low (n=23, 25%), moderate (n=45, 48.9%), and high (n=24, 26.1%), according to our institutional Sişli Etfal risk factor assessment scale. Relationships were analyzed between mortality and sex, preinjury ambulation level, cognitive functions, and time to surgery in each risk group.
Results: One-year mortality rates were 6.9%, 31.4%, and 80% in low-, moderate-, and high-risk groups, respectively. The risk scores were significantly correlated with mortality rates (r=0.664; p<0.05). Thirty-four female patients (60.7%) and 18 male patients (50%) were dead at the end of 36 months. No significant relationship was found between mortality rates and sex, cognitive functions, and time to surgery (p>0.05). Mortality within the first three postoperative months among patients who could only ambulate with a walker preoperatively was significantly higher than those who could walk independently or with an aid (p=0.037).
Conclusion: A risk assessment system covering all risk factors to estimate postoperative mortality following surgery for hip fractures would be helpful in planning treatment.