[Hip fracture in elderly patients: emergency management and indicators]

Abstract

Hip fracture is a common condition associated with a poor outcome with 20-30% one-year mortality in the elderly. Autonomy and quality of life remains key considerations in this population. Emergency management should consider associated diseases and treatments, as well as fall and fracture. Management should target particular conditions such as pain, anemia and transfusion, time to surgery and occurrence of pressure sores, and should consider these as quality criteria. In this way, a new approach must be evaluated and requires an optimal cooperation between emergency physician, orthopaedic surgeon, anaesthetists and geriatrician. Place and interest of new models of care such as orthogeriatrics unit have to be determined.