Recovery after hip fracture.
OBJECTIVE
The aim was to monitor the inhospital progress of 170 patients sustaining proximal femoral fractures. The extent of delay in discharge was recorded and what effect this prolonged hospitalisation had on nosocomial infection rates.


METHODS
A regional trauma centre.


METHODS
A prospective observational study.


METHODS
All consecutive patients sustaining proximal femoral fracture over 60 years of age.


METHODS
The same clinician monitored each patient throughout their inhospital stay. Factors recorded included nosocomial infection acquired and when, mobility scores, loss of independence, delay in discharge amongst others.


RESULTS
Delay in discharge, incidence of nosocomial infection and mobility scores.


RESULTS
Nosocomial infection occurred in 58% of patients (99 patients) when discharge was delayed beyond 8 days (after surgery). Eighty-five per cent of patients (145 patients) achieved their maximum mobility score by the 8th, and 95% (162 patients) by the 10th postoperative day.


CONCLUSIONS
Patients with proximal femoral fracture derive no benefit from acute hospital admission of more than 8 days and the majority acquire nosocomial infection after this.
Umarji
S I M
SI
St Georges Hospital, Blackshaw Road, London SW17 OTQ, United Kingdom. sumarji@hotmail.com
Lankester
B J A
BJ
Prothero
D
D
Bannister
G C
GC
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003428:Cross Infection / Q000453:epidemiology; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006620:Hip Fractures / Q000401:mortality / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D007902:Length of Stay; D008124:Locomotion / Q000502:physiology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010351:Patient Discharge; D011446:Prospective Studies; D020127:Recovery of Function / Q000502:physiology*; D016896:Treatment Outcome