ABSTRACT
Introduction: hip fractures in elderly patients have been associated with high morbidity and mortality rate and are dependent on the presence of associated comorbidities. SARS-CoV-2 disease (Covid-19) is nowadays considered to be an independent risk factor increasing mortality rates. The aim of our report was to analyse the management of a vaccinated versus a non-vaccinated elderly patient that were both diagnosed positive to SARS-CoV-2 after having sustained an intracapsular neck of femur fracture. Methods: Two patients (Patient A 91 and Patient B 88 years old, both female) were referred to our hospital after sustaining an intracapsular neck of femur hip fracture as a result of low energy trauma. Both patients tested positive for Covid-19 during their preoperative screening tests. Patient A had not been vaccinated against Covid-19 in contrast to patient B who had completed the 2 dose regimen of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine. Patient A presented on arrival Leukopenia (WBC: 1.2 μc/l, Neutrophils 0.4 mcL) and Thrombocytopenia (PLT 70.000). The Procalcitonin, C-Reactive Protein and Ferritin levels long as Arterial blood Gases were measured in both patients on arrival. Patient A required administration of Granulocyte colony stimulating factor and platelet transfusion prior to surgery. Results: Both patients underwent uncemented hip hemiarthroplasty. Patient A was operated 5 days after hospital admission as optimization of the patient's Covid-19 related Leukopenia and Thrombocytopenia was required and Patient B was operated within 24 hours after hospital admission. Patient A required transfusion of 4 blood Units (bleeding related to Thrombocytopenia) compared to 2 blood units that were administered in Patient B. Patient A developed Covid 19 related Pneumonia and Lung disease on the 6th post-operative day (PO2 SO2) and required high flow nasal cannula therapy for 7 days followed by oxygen therapy for 8 days delaying her mobilization and hospital discharge. Patient A was discharged on the 29th post-operative day and Patient B was discharged on the 6th post-operative day. Conclusion: Covid 19 related complications in elderly hip fracture patients are challenging and require multidisciplinary approach and hospital resources. However, Vaccination against covid-19 seems to prevent Covid related complications and can improve the outcome. Large series studies and further research is required to support our thesis.