A comparison of femoral neck fracture in ‘old-old’ and younger patients: a glimpse of future challenges.

Jasmin Roberts, Barbara Taylor, David Buckley, Paul Finucane, Wagga Wagga Base Hospital & Murrumbidgee Local Health District

Introduction

In terms of its elderly population, the demographic profile of the MLHD region is 14 years ahead of national Australia. With the national population ageing, current MLHD experiences provide pointers to future national service demands for common age-related conditions such as femoral neck fractures.

Methods

All patients admitted to WWBH in 2017 following a fractured neck of femur were identified at presentation and followed prospectively. We collected data on patient demography, site and type of fracture, scheduling and nature of surgical intervention and patient outcome.

Results

Of the 184 patients with a femoral neck fracture, 72 (39%) were aged ≥85 years and 112 (61%) aged <85. The ‘old-old’ group were more likely to be female (79% vs 64%), to come from residential care (43% vs 14%) and to have an intracapsular fracture (53% vs 49%). They had a longer length of acute hospital stay (7.2 vs 6.2 days) and were more likely to require a rehabilitation programme (86% vs 72%).

Conclusion

As the current MLHD experience of Aged Care will be reflected nationally by 2031, this data offers a glimpse of future national need for services for elderly people and particularly the ‘old old’ with femoral neck fractures.