Outcomes in nonagenarians after hemiarthroplasty for femoral neck fracture. A prospective matched cohort study

Abstract

A prospective cohort of 33 nonagenarians with hemiartroplasty for femoral neck fracture was matched with 33 patients aged between 70 and 89, using preoperative and postoperative data, and the following were studied; epidemiological data, physical dependence, and SF-12 and WOMAC questionnaires. The mortality rate at one year was 24.2%, influenced by the presence of 3 or more comorbidities, dementia, and previous dependence. The perioperative period was the most vulnerable time, and in some cases delaying surgery should be considered to stabilise the patient's medical condition in very elderly patients. Mortality and functional outcomes were worse than in younger patients, but the surgical complication rate was similar. Prognostic factors for a decline in quality of life were dementia and previous dependence.