Advanced Age and Operative Delay Leading to Development of Pressure Sores have Significant Impact on Peri-operative Mortality in Trochanteric Fractures

Background: In elderly, trochanteric fractures are frequent and typically result from mild to moderate trauma in osteoporotic bones. Early fracture fixation and mobilization of these patients significantly decreases the risk of pressure sores and hence mortality also.

Methods: The present study was conducted in elderly patients with trochanteric fractures (age 60 years and above) presenting to the department of orthopedics, Dr. RPGMC Kangra at Tanda. All cases presenting to the department and fulfilling the inclusion criteria were studied for three months period from the day of surgery. All cases fulfilling the inclusion criteria who were operated over the period of one year from the date of start of study were included.

Results: Our study observed that out of 176 patients, bed sore was present in 15 patients. Out of which 2 patients could not survive.

Conclusions: In our study, peri-operative mortality among patients with bed sore was influenced by delayed presentation to hospital, and hence delayed fracture fixation and mobilization of these patients.