Controversias en el manejo de la fractura de cadera en el adulto mayor. Encuesta nacional a Traumatólogos especialistas en cirugía de cadera / Management of hip fractures in the elderly. A national survey among Chilean orthopaedic surgeons

ABSTRACT

Background: As the population ages, patients exposed to osteoporotic fractures increase, especially hip fracture, which is the most severe and costly. Aim: To characterize surgical practices in the management of hip fractures in older patients through a nationwide survey of specialized hip surgeons dedicated to the care of these patients. Material and Methods: A survey composed of 32 questions was formulated, including demographic factors, preoperative evaluation, definitive treatment, and postoperative management. It was sent to 140 specialists. 84 of them replied (61%), and 71 answers were included. Results: Eighty six percent of respondents agreed that orthogeriatric management is fundamental in the outcome of these patients, but only 73% had the collaboration of an internist or a geriatrician. Although 97% considered 72 hours or less the ideal time to perform surgery, only 52% of the respondents declared performing surgery within that timeframe, with differences between private and public system. Regarding surgical treatment, 94-98% of femoral neck fractures are treated with an arthroplasty and 98-99% of per-subtrochanteric fractures are treated with internal fixation and osteosynthesis. Osteoporosis treatment is only carried out by 51% of the respondents and with significant variation. Conclusions: This survey shows that there is agreement in surgical practice between specialists treating these patients, but clear differences in preoperative optimization, treatment timeframe, and post fracture medical treatment.