A Protocol for the Management of the Inpatient Fracture Neck of Femur is Required

Abstract

Falls within a hospital environment are a major cause of morbidity and may even lead to mortality. Pathways for patients suffering a Fractured Neck of Femur (FNOF) in the community are well established following the development of the Blue Book, BOAST guidelines and National Hip Fracture Database (NHFD). However, there is no such agreed pathway for patients suffering FNOF within a hospital environment. Such patients have been demonstrated to have a higher risk of delays in medical optimisation, delays in operative management, and mortality. There is, therefore, a need to create a nationally agreed guideline for the care of the “inpatient FNOF” as this is an important subgroup of patients. This article highlights this issue as well as advising medical staff on how to identify a potential FNOF within a hospital environment in order to ensure prompt management of a vulnerable group of patients.

In-Hospital Hip Fractures in a Large Irish Teaching Hospital: Patient Risk Factors and Outcomes

“…The high incidence rates of inpatient hip fractures also indicate the need for a well-defined protocol and audit standards, as exists with the Irish hip fracture standards or UK NHFD key performance indicators for community hip fractures. Green et al called for a protocol for the management of inpatient hip fractures [ 9 ]. It is worth acknowledging that our hospital may demonstrate a relatively high incidence of inpatient hip fractures due to the large age-related and rehabilitation units, which in other hospitals are usually off-site.…”

“…The high incidence rates of inpatient hip fractures also indicate the need for a well-defined protocol and audit standards, as exists with the Irish hip fracture standards or UK NHFD key performance indicators for community hip fractures. Green et al called for a protocol for the management of inpatient hip fractures [9].…”