Hip fracture clearance: How much optimisation is necessary?

Abstract

Patients with hip fractures are typically elderly individuals with several co-morbidities. Upon admission to the hospital, they often present with acute pain, electrolyte disturbances, anaemia, coagulopathy, and delirium. Long waiting times for surgery are associated with increased morbidity and mortality. The balance between the number of clinical tests and optimisation, which may (i.e., fewer complications and better survival) or may not (i.e., more complications and increased mortality due to unnecessary surgical delay) benefit the patient, has been a preoperative challenge. This summary will review existing clinical guidelines and relevant selected studies to evaluate the extent of preoperative optimisation needed prior to hip fracture surgery.