From the Fall to the Theater - Early Acute Phase in Osteoporotic Hip Fractures

Abstract

Objective: There is a lack of information regarding the period between the occurrence of fracture and time until surgical treatment. Despite the presence of epidemiological data on hip fracture, more detailed estimates of time and site of hip fractures are necessary to develop effective fracture prevention policies. The aim of this study is to analyze characteristics of falls resulting in hip fracture in Turkish patients and to document what happens in the early acute phase of the fracture.

Methods: A questionnaire was applied to the patients who were hospitalized for osteoporotic hip fracture. The questionnaire included demographic variables, fall frequency, time of fall, site of fall, time taken for admission to health-care, time until operation.

Results: The study included 31 female (47.7%) and 34 male (52.3%) patients. The mean age of the population was 79.1 similar to 6.7 (range, 54-90 years). Of all fractures, 73.8% (n=48) occurred during the day between 06: 00 am and 18: 00 pm, and 69.2% (n=45) of the fractures occurred indoors. Most of the fractures occurred on the non-dominant side (n=45; 69.2%). Forty-three patients (66.2%) were admitted to the health care center in less than 2 hours. However, most of them were operated (n=41; 62.1%) after 48 hours of hospital admission.

Conclusion: Osteoporotic hip fractures occurred indoors and during the day in Turkish patients. Educational programs may be introduced focusing on indoor precautions for fracture prevention and on increasing osteoporosis awareness. Hip fracture teams may be organized in emergency units.