AAOS Releases New Hip Fracture Guidelines

The American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS) has approved Appropriate Use Criteria for the treatment and rehabilitation of elderly patients with hip fractures, which also provide postoperative direction to prevent fracture recurrence.

"Hip fractures are one of the most feared injuries in older adults because this trauma creates pain and can force a change in lifestyle or limited mobility. We are providing evidence-based assistance for physicians and patients to determine the best course of action for surgery and follow-up care," they explained.
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For the report, physicians and physical therapists examined 30 patient scenerios, rating treatment options as “appropriate,” “may be appropriate,” and “rarely appropriate.”

In some cases, the panel did not reach consensus on a single treatment method, due to the availability of multiple appropriate treatment strategies.

To accompany the report, the AAOS also created a Preoperative Checklist including limiting preoperative traction, managing Warfarin, and discussing home environment prior to discharge.

A second report focusing on recovery stressed issues like deep vein thrombosis care, prevention of postoperative delirium, and osteoporosis assessment as factors in need of consideration following surgery.

"It is very important to think ahead to make the right care choices after a fracture is repaired. Not only can this help patients recover, but this also helps prevent fractures from happening again, which is a big problem," they concluded.

—Michael Potts

Reference:

AAOS. AAOS recommends specific treatment, rehabilitation for elderly patients with hip fractures [press release]. December 9, 2015. http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2015-12/aaoo-ars120915.php.