Neck of femur fracture management by general surgeons at a rural hospital

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Neck of femur (NOF) fractures are the most common injury among elderly patients and a significant burden on our healthcare system. AIMS: This study aimed toevaluate if an Australian rural hospital serviced by general surgeons can meet the established standards of care for the management of NOF fractures by undertaking surgery within 48 hours. METHODS: An audit of patients presenting to an Australian rural hospital with NOF fractures over a seven-year period. Patients were excluded if they were transferred or suffered peri-prosthetic or multi-trauma-related fractures. Outcomes included time to surgery, length of stay, and in-hospital mortality, and were compared to three similar A..