Risk factors for mortality after surgery of osteoporotic hip fracture in patients over 65 years of age.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate, from a clinical perspective, and with easily identifiable variables, those factors that influence the survival of patients admitted to a care unit designed for the comprehensive treatment of patients with hip fracture after being surgically treated.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: A prospective study was conducted on a cohort of patients (n=202) aged 65 years or older with a low impact hip fracture, who were surgically intervened in a tertiary hospital. An analysis was performed to determine mortality at 90 days, and at one and 2years after surgery using demographic, clinical, analytical, and functional variables.

RESULTS: The independent risk factors of mortality in the 3periods analysed were age (P=.047, P=.016, and P=.000 at 90 days, 1, and 2 years, respectively) and a low Barthel index (P=.014, P=.005, and P=.004 to 90 days, 1, and 2 years, respectively). Male sex (P=.004) and a high risk for anaesthesia (P=.011) were only independent risk factors of mortality at 2years after surgery.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Age and dependency were the major determining factors of mortality at 30 days, 1, and 2 years after surgery for hip fracture. Both are easily measurable to identify patients susceptible to poor outcomes, and could benefit from a more thorough care plan.