Risk factors for mortality in patients following total hip arthroplasty and hemiarthroplasty due to femoral neck fractures.

Abstract

Femoral neck fractures (FNF) in older adults are frequently managed with either total hip arthroplasty (THA) or hemiarthroplasty (HA). Despite improvements in surgical techniques, mortality rates after hip fracture surgery remain high. Identifying predictors of early mortality may enhance surgical decision-making, optimize perioperative management, and improve patient outcomes. The purpose of this study was to determine the short- and mid-term mortality rates after THA and HA for FNF, to identify clinical, demographic, and laboratory factors associated with 30-, 90-, and 180-day mortality, and to establish clinically relevant cutoff thresholds for significant continuous variables to stratify risk. We retrospectively reviewed 2379 consecutive patients treated for sub-capital FNF at a tertiary trauma center between [insert study years]. Of these, 831 underwent THA and 1548 underwent HA. Mortality was assessed at 30, 90, and 180 days postoperatively. Demographic, clinical, and laboratory parameters were analyzed using univariate and multivariate logistic regression models. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed to identify optimal cutoff thresholds for significant continuous predictors. Among THA patients, mortality was 1.4 % at 30 days, 3.4 % at 90 days, and 5.1 % at 180 days. Postoperative albumin ≤2.85 g/dL predicted 30-day mortality, while C-reactive protein (CRP) > 19.15 mg/dL was independently associated with mortality at 90 and 180 days. Among HA patients, mortality was 6.6 % at 30 days, 12.9 % at 90 days, and 17.6 % at 180 days. Predictors of 30-day mortality included white blood cell count (WBC) > 14.48 × 10⁹/L, albumin <3.55 g/dL, and Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) > 7.5. At 90 and 180 days, age >83.65 and > 89.34 years, WBC >13.49 × 10⁹/L, albumin <3.35-3.45 g/dL, creatinine >1.08 mg/dL, and CCI >6.5 were associated with higher mortality risk. This study identified several laboratory and clinical markers that predict short- and mid-term mortality following hip arthroplasty for FNF. Hypoalbuminemia, elevated inflammatory markers, renal dysfunction, and high comorbidity burden were consistent risk factors. Incorporating these parameters into preoperative assessment may improve patient selection, perioperative optimization, and shared decision-making. III.