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Medical problems in hip fracture patients

  • Orthopaedic Surgery
  • Published:
Archives of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Increasing number of older patients are admitted to hospital with hip fractures. This review evaluates the common medical problems that arise as a consequence of having a hip fracture. Older patients with fractures commonly have co-morbidities that require evaluation prior to and after surgery. Joint acute orthopaedic–geriatric units have been established to provide comprehensive orthopaedic and medical care with some studies showing a reduction in postoperative complications and mortality. Recommendations surrounding the care of the older orthopaedic patient include early surgical fixation, the use of prophylactic antibiotics and thromboembolic prophylaxis, good perioperative pain control to improve ambulation, delirium detection and management to decrease the risk complications, such as institutionalisation, the avoidance of malnutrition, urinary tract management, osteoporosis management and the promotion of early mobilisation to improve functional recovery. Physicians are well placed to manage these patients with orthopaedic surgeons during the perioperative period. Sufficient evidence exists for most recommendations for fracture patients, but further research is needed in most areas.

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Acknowledgments

Dr Carol Chong would like to acknowledge The University of Melbourne, National Health and Medical Research Council and The Northern Clinical Research Centre for postgraduate research scholarships which have enabled her to pursue research in this area.

Conflict of interest statement

There is no conflict of interest for any of the authors.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Medicine, Austin and Northern Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia

    Carol Pei Wei Chong, Judith A. Savige & Wen Kwang Lim

  2. The Northern Clinical Research Centre, The Northern Hospital, 185 Cooper Street, Epping, VIC, Australia

    Carol Pei Wei Chong, Judith A. Savige & Wen Kwang Lim

Authors
  1. Carol Pei Wei Chong
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  2. Judith A. Savige
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  3. Wen Kwang Lim
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Correspondence to Carol Pei Wei Chong or Wen Kwang Lim.

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Chong, C.P.W., Savige, J.A. & Lim, W.K. Medical problems in hip fracture patients. Arch Orthop Trauma Surg 130, 1355–1361 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00402-009-1038-y

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00402-009-1038-y

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