Prevalence and Factors Affecting First and Recurrent Hip Fracture in the Elderly: A Retrospective Study from Inpatients at Thammasat University Hospital

Abstract

Background: Hip fracture is more common in the elderly people. Many patients were admitted to Thammasat University Hospital (TUH). However, there are no prevalence study of elderly people with hip fracture.

Objective: To determine the prevalence of hip fractures in elderly people from inpatient charts at TUH and to provide guidance to physical therapists for appropriate rehabilitation after hip fracture surgery.

Method: Questionnaire forms were used to retrieve data from 491 medical charts at TUH from the years 2011–2016. The parameters included elderly with hip fractures, causes of fractures, body mass index, underlying diseases, treatment types, complications, and length of stay in the hospital.

Results: Hip fractures were most common in female patients aged over 80 years. The prevalent cause of hip fracture was falling (88%). Most common areas of fracture were femoral neck (48%) and intertrochanteric line (48%). About 96% of the cases were first time hip fractures. Surgery was the main treatment for hip fractures (87%). Complications after treatment were not found
in 84% of all patients. Common complications in the remaining patients were urinary tract infection, pneumonia, and bed sore. Patients older than 80 years spend more time in the
hospital than younger patients.

Conclusion: Based on the TUH data hip fracture was a predominant health problem of elderly females. Routine treatment was by surgery. Complications after either surgical or conservation treatment were rarely observed. Elderly patients, who stay in the hospital a long time, might need to consult physical therapists to establish a rehabilitation plan after surgery and during non-surgical treatment.