ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: Hip fractures in the elderly require a multi-disciplinary approach and are associated with increased morbidity and mortality. The current COVID-19 pandemic has affected substantially this high-risk population group. This present review was done to ascertain whether or not the pandemic has affected the 30-day mortality and outcomes of hip fracture in the elderly. RESEARCH QUESTION: Does the coexistence of COVID-19 infection and hip fractures in the elderly increase the mortality rates? METHODOLOGY: A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted using three databases (PubMed, EMBASE and SCOPUS) to compare the mortality rates between COVID-19 positive/suspect and COVID-19 negative patients. The secondary outcomes included comparison of in-hospital mortality, complication rate and length of hospital stay. Risk of bias assessment was done using the MINORS tool. RESULTS: The present review included 20 studies. Primary outcome: A significantly higher 30 day mortality rate was seen in COVID-19 positive/suspect patients with an Odds ratio of 6.09 (95% CI 4.75-8.59, p < 0.00001). Secondary outcome: We observed significantly higher rates of inpatient mortality [OR 18.22, (95% CI 7.10-46.75], complication rate (OR 9.28, 95% CI 4.46-19.30), and length of hospital stay (MD: 4.96, 95% CI 2.86-7.05) in COVID-19 positive/suspect patients as compared to COVID-19 negative patients. CONCLUSION: COVID-19 has deteriorated the outcomes in elderly patients with hip fractures and associated with higher rates of mortality in the short term. A multidisciplinary approach is needed to contain this "pandemic within a pandemic" and improve the overall outcome to survival.